A Gem-Set and Enamelled Punch-Dagger (Katar), India, possibly Hyderabad, Late 18th Century
Auction Closed
April 29, 12:32 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
the double-edged steel blade with central ridge, the base with plain gold overlay to both sides, the steel grip contained within a gilt carapace extensively inlaid with cabochon rubies and faceted diamonds in floral motifs against a translucent green enamel ground, the modern red velvet-covered wooden scabbard with steel chape and belt
47cm.
By repute, collection of the Maharaja of Bikaner
Philippe Missillier Collection no.7C
H. Ricketts and P. Missillier, Splendeur des Armes Orientales, Paris: Acte-Expo, 1988, p.135, no.225
The hilt of this punch-dagger is composed of an internal steel frame contained inside a gem-set gold casing. This unusual construction is also seen on a punch-dagger in the Wallace Collection, London (inv. no.OA1389), which has several early nineteenth-century repairs, suggesting the original frame and casing may date to the eighteenth century. This suggestion is supported by a sword in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (inv. no.LNS 2154 J), the hilt of which is inscribed with the date 1213 AH/1798-99 AD and the name of Sikandar Jah, who would become Nizam of Hyderabad in 1803 (Salam Kaoukji, Precious Indian Weapons and Other Princely Accoutrements, London: Thames & Hudson, 2017, pp.318-321).
Comparable gem-set and enamelled punch-daggers were sold in these rooms, 30 March 2022, lot 125, and 24 March 2011, lot 103.
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