Fine 19th C. North Indian Pesh Kabz or Karud, Sialkot koftgari work of the finest quality

Status: Sold · Region: India · Type: Daggers

Dagger dates 19th century, overall 21 ½, inches, blade 14 inches. This exceptional karud is a variant of the pesh kabz having a straight spine rather than a form with a slightlycurved spine. The blade is forged of fine Indian wootz. The spine and forte of the blade, the bolsters, tangbands and scabbard mounts are entirely covered with beautiful koftgari inlay in the manner of the village of Sialkot. The motifs are traditional featuring paisley, vine and trellis designs. The grips are made of chocolate brown horn, which is checkered in the British manner.

There is a very small amount of loss to the koftgari on the chape, otherwise near mint.

The karud was used by theAfridis, a clan that populated the Khyber Pass. Karuds are not Khyber knives whose T-spines are slightly curved. This weapon has little connection with its rougher cousin other than its considerable size. The checkered grips are a rare but known treatment usually found on high quality Indian work done for British patrons.