19th C. Indian Wootz Shamshir Tulwar Sword

A fine example of a 19th century Indian wootz blade shamshir, this ancient weapon features a blade with a gold koftgari design, while the handle is a unique brass. The sword maintains its overall taughtness and good condition, and is accompanied by its original scabbard of blue vel-vet. The piece extends 34 inches in overall length, and the blade reaches 29 inches. These types of pieces have been displayed at the Louvre in Paris and the Cairo Museum in Egypt.

The koftgari art form entails the inlay of gold and silver wire on iron objects. Forged by the Si-kligar community, Persian craftsmen were responsible for bringing the technique to India after Mughal imperial expansion. In addition, other artistic styles and movements became integrated into local craftwork techniques, including influences from Europe introduced by the British.

The wootz steel process, originally developed in India, consists of a pattern of sheets of micro carbides within a tempered martensite. Indigenous to the Tamil Nudu region, the technology was considered the most effective in the world for maximizing armor piercing potential. Given the efficacy of the technology, the production process was exported and emulated throughout the world.

During the 19th century, the British Empire compelled many local princes and the remaining Mughal leaders to avow their allegiance to the Crown. At the same time, the local Indian courts facilitated the development of new art and design, providing the impetus for the integration of European schools of thought into the vernacular.