A fine and rare Indo-Persian watered steel and gold-decorated sword pommel signed Muhammad Husayn and made for Sarkar Mir Ghulam'ali Khan Talpur of Hyderabad in Sind, circa 1800-10

the slightly curved, cylindrical body with a straight, flat rim around the opening and two protruding arches, inscribed throughout and highlighted by gilt floral borders  

In generally good condition, some remaining black residue to interior, 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

Qur'an chapters II (al-Baqara), verse 255; CXII (al-Ikhlas); LXI (al-Saff), part of verse 13; invocations to God and: 'Sarkar Mir Ghulam'ali Khan Talpur'.

Signed as: 'Work of Muhammad Husayn, the blacksmith'

Ghulam'ali Khan was one of the three younger brothers of Fath'ali Khan Talpur, who made Hyderabad his capital and ruled central Sind jointly with his brothers. After the death of Fath'ali Khan in 1217 AH/1802 AD, the territory was divided between his son and his three brothers with Ghulam'ali being the senior. Sarkar Mir Ghulam'ali Khan Talpur reigned up until his death in 1227 AH/ 1811 AD.

It was during the rule of Sarkar Mir Ghulam'ali Khan that a few envoys were sent to Iran and were assured by Fath'ali Shah that they would be allies and that the Talpurs would be protected by the government of Iran. Many gifts were exchanged at the same time, including an inlaid sword presented to Ghulam'ali Khan. Given the Iranian craftsmanship of the present item, it is possible that this inkwell was amongst the gifts brought back from Iran. However, since the maker, Muhammad Husayn, is not recorded, we cannot be sure whether he was working in Iran or Sind.