16th Century Iron-Hooded Katar

vilhelmsson · 14th February 2019, 10:36 PM

I acquired this iron-hooded katar at auction recently. It is billed as belonging to the second half of the 16th century, and from Vijayanagara. I know very little about katars, specifically, or Indian weapons, generally. It is, of course, not as nice as the one at The Met (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31497). But I think it is pretty interesting; particularly the engraving on the blade and the stylized cobra head.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this, as well as ideas for what to do with it? Someone cleaned a few spots. Should I try to remove more of the rust, or just apply Antiquax and hang it?

Also, this is my first time comprehensively photographing an item for posting. The tape measure is only intentionally placed in the first shot showing that it is approximately 20.5" long.

14th February 2019, 10:36 PM	#1
vilhelmsson Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Bay Area Posts: 57	16th Century Iron-Hooded Katar I acquired this iron-hooded katar at auction recently. It is billed as belonging to the second half of the 16th century, and from Vijayanagara. I know very little about katars, specifically, or Indian weapons, generally. It is, of course, not as nice as the one at The Met (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31497). But I think it is pretty interesting; particularly the engraving on the blade and the stylized cobra head. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this, as well as ideas for what to do with it? Someone cleaned a few spots. Should I try to remove more of the rust, or just apply Antiquax and hang it? Also, this is my first time comprehensively photographing an item for posting. The tape measure is only intentionally placed in the first shot showing that it is approximately 20.5" long. Attached Images