My giant can opener

[Stan S.]

This "thing" had been in my collection for a while. I know it's Indian because of the Bikaner markings on the spearhead and being that I bought it from an old estate of Indo Persian weapons along with a couple of nice tulwars. Despite my research, I am yet to find anything similar in any literature, online, etc. The only thing that comes remotely close is a spearhead shown on the page 279 of A. Tirri's book (fig. 202B). In Tirri's variant the ends are closed and it is much fancier than mine.

It really looks like a giant version of an old fashioned can opener. I am even ready to accept this being not a weapon but an agricultural implement. The haft may have been cut down but not in recent times. Perhaps it was ment to be short like this? The spearhead is intended for slashing because it is sharp along the long edge and has a false edge at the tip as well. The purpose of the ace-of-clubs like protrusion is a complete mystery. It may be purely ornamental in nature. The only possible use I can think of is to act as a sword catcher of sorts to trap opponent's blade.

I would appreciate any guesses to the origin and age of this item. I thought of cleaning it but decided that I like it better this way. Sorry about the picture quality - I am a terrible photographer. I hope that these will suffice in judging this item.