A MUGHAL HORSE-FORM JADE HILTED DAGGER, India, CIRCA 18TH CENTURY

the slightly curved double-edged watered steel blade with central ridge, the gold overlay at the forte with inscription, the hilt of jade with pommel carved in the form of a horse's head with gold inlay set with coloured gems in a stylised lotus form

overall in very good condition. there is evidence of rubbing to the gold gilt on the forte of the blade on both sides, the jade hilt has some intermittent black flecking, the ears of the horse head have some damage to them, as viewed.
"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."

inscriptions

The Basmala followed by the surah al-Fath (XLVIII), 1.

The grip of this hilt is carved with grooves for the hand. According to Stuart Cary Welch, these grooves indicate a date in the second half of the seventeenth century, as grooves are rarely found prior to this period. Welch's close study of many animal figures in the Padhshanama also reveals that the small number of daggers with animal hilts were reserved for the use of princes such as Dara Shikoh and Shah Shuja. While the number of daggers with animal hilts increased during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, these continued to function as indicators of the highest rank and position at court (see Welch 1985, pp.257-258).