Rare 17th Tanjore South Indian Triple-bladed Katar with Armored Guard or Dastana

A rare 17th C. triple bladed katar from the Tanjore. Identical examples can be in the Wallace Collection and in the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad.

This rare example has a three katar blades mounted on an armored guard with chiseled borders in the Tanjore style with floral designs. The guard has a small hole that appears to be sustained battle damage. It is remarkable that it appears to have the original internal lining.

A very rare example.