An interesting South Indian style katar with an imported European blade.
This item has been sold.
Overall length
74.5 cm
Tip length
41.8 cm
Tip thickness
Base, flats: 16 mm
Base, edges: 21 mm
Socket diameter
Inside 20.5
Outside 26.5
Weight
866 grams
Materials
Iron, steel
Origin
Bikanēr, Rajasthan, North India
Dating
Probably 17th-18th century
Provenance
European antique art market
Sold
Description
A large Rajput lance head from the Bikanēr armory, located in the Thar desert in Northern Rajasthan.
(See article: The Bikaner Armory)
It was the tip of a large and heavy armor-piercing cavalry lance.
The business end is a long spike with a square cross-section. Each of the facets has a fuller at the base. The head is seated on a long socket, largely with an octagonal cross-section. The steel surface shows laminations visible in both socket and head.
Despite being a practical military weapon foremost, some effort was put into it, decorating it with chiseling and engravings. It is in a clean state, with no buildup of patina, like most items from this armory. Probably a combination of good, periodic maintenance and the dry local desert climate.
Markings
It bears to markings in the typical style and format used in the Bikanēr armory:
"112"
&
"110"
Currently available:
The only set of its type known to me in both private and museum collections.
Price on request
Of classic shape, with a leaf-shaped blade on a socket, connected by a cast bronze base.
€375,-
