betel nutcracker
 

Sorry, this is not properly a weapon.
I am trying to know the region in India where this Kacip comes from.
I wonder if some of the members can coment about it, judging by the pattern of the gold and silver decoration.
Thanks
fernando

Are you sure that it is not from Continental SEA? It is just the instrument that members of the Dhafia would use to cut fingers. (joke) :D

Nice item, however I would say that it is rather newly made, looking at the style of koftgari work.

henry brownrigg wrote a great book on betel nut cutters and is believed to be the authority on them. the book catalogued the biggest collection of them, put together by samuel eilenberg. eilenberg died a short while ago, and a friend of mine has bought a large part of the collection (some 130 pieces and still adding) some dating back 1000 years.
henry has a personal passion for india and travels there every year. his book is not expensive, and easily found. i feel it may hold some answers for you.

book reference
 

Betel Cutters from the Samuel Eilenberg Collection

by Henry Brownrigg,
http://www.selectbooks.com.sg/getTitle.cfm?SBNum=12909

A good value at only 30+ dollars. :)

I have just bought the book.
Thank you B.I. for the track, and thank you Alam for the adress.