Lot 58
  • 58

Three Sikh gilded steel Chakkar Quoits, Punjab, 18th/19th century

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Steel
  • each diameter; 23cm., 19.5cm., 19cm.; 9in., 7 3/4 in., 7 1/2 in.
with sharpened edges and in three sizes, mounted in a later glazed and ebonised velvet lined wall cabinet

Provenance

Acquired by or presented to James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, Marquess of Dalhousie (1812-1860) for his collection of arms and armour

Condition

Overall in reasonable condition. The quoits are pinned loosely in their display case and have old marks, chips and loses to gilding consistent with age and use. The display cabinet has a further three pins which formerly supported a larger quoit which is no longer with the collection. Otherwise the display case is in reasonably good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

In Sir William Thorn's (1781–1843) A Memoir of the late War in India (1818), the soldier and military historian describes the terrifying impact Chakkar Quoits had on cavalrymen. He writes, 'besides the matchlock, spear, the scimitar, which are all excellent in their kinds, some of the Seiks [sic] are armed with a very singular weapon, which they use with great and destructive effect against cavalry. It consists of a hollow circle, made of finely tempered steel, with an exceedingly sharp edge, about a foot in diameter, and an inch in breadth on the inner side. This instrument the horseman poises on his fore-finger, and after giving it two or three swift motions, to accelerate its velocity, sends it from him to the distance of some hundreds of yards, the ring cutting and maiming, most dreadfully, every living object that may chance to be in its way’. It is likely the present Quoits were presented as trophies following the successful conclusion of the Second Sikh War (1848-1849).