Pichangatti for comments

Royston · 9th June 2009, 10:56 AM

I have been meaning to post this for a while.
I remember from a previous thread that it is pronounced differently by the Coorgs, but it took me years to learn how to spell it this way, so I'm not changing now

Blade is 19 1/2 cm long and almost 5 mm thick along the back
Overall length is 33 cm
All very thick silver mounts.
The chain itself is a work of art. Solid silver except for the "grooming " tools at the end.
Any thoughts on age ?
I bought it in 91 from an antiques dealer in England. Unfortunatey he had no idea of how or when it arrived here.

All comments appreciated
Regards
Royston

Gavin Nugent · 9th June 2009, 11:50 AM

A great looking knife Royston,

I'd love to add one to the collection and you have now set a bench mark

, gorgeous silver work!!!

The chain fitting is a stunner with a manicure set attached, looks like a nail cleaner, tweezers, ear wax scoop and some other "tools"....drrrroooolllllll!!!

How does it feel in the hand? The parrot head looks like it would hold to the hand nicely when used.

You certainly have a gorgeous diverse collection of arms.

Gav

olikara · 9th June 2009, 06:12 PM

A very beautiful and genuine piece. Zoomorphic pommels are very rare on Pichangattis. Congrats.

A Coorgi would call it 'Peechekatthi'

Gavin Nugent · 14th June 2009, 12:55 PM

With regards to the parrot head, I see this "style" in a number of weapons, one that comes to mind is a Parang Nabur in Stones, page 482, figure 614.1
It was also very common and late 19th century walking canes....

Is there something special about parrots to include them in the hilts of knives and swords?

Gav

CharlesS · 14th June 2009, 05:45 PM

I believe this is the finest and most complete one to date to show up on our forum. Congrats!

olikara · 14th June 2009, 06:12 PM

Gav,
Yes, parrots and horse heads are a very common feature on Indian hilts. Ram and lion heads are also seen.

But this is the first Pichangetti I have seen with a parrot head hilt.

There could always be more that may have escaped my eyes.

The parrot in India represents the vehicle of the Hindu God of Love - 'Kama'. It represents the feeling of love and gentleness, quite the opposite of the instruments of war.

But then, the romantic rose is a favorite adornment on Indian hilts after the poppy and the Iris ;-)

Nidhi

9th June 2009, 10:56 AM	#1
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Pichangatti for comments I have been meaning to post this for a while. I remember from a previous thread that it is pronounced differently by the Coorgs, but it took me years to learn how to spell it this way, so I'm not changing now Blade is 19 1/2 cm long and almost 5 mm thick along the back Overall length is 33 cm All very thick silver mounts. The chain itself is a work of art. Solid silver except for the "grooming " tools at the end. Any thoughts on age ? I bought it in 91 from an antiques dealer in England. Unfortunatey he had no idea of how or when it arrived here. All comments appreciated Regards Royston Attached Images

9th June 2009, 11:50 AM	#2
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Superb looking piece!!! A great looking knife Royston, I'd love to add one to the collection and you have now set a bench mark , gorgeous silver work!!! The chain fitting is a stunner with a manicure set attached, looks like a nail cleaner, tweezers, ear wax scoop and some other "tools"....drrrroooolllllll!!! How does it feel in the hand? The parrot head looks like it would hold to the hand nicely when used. You certainly have a gorgeous diverse collection of arms. Gav

9th June 2009, 06:12 PM	#3
olikara Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: India Posts: 100	Rarity A very beautiful and genuine piece. Zoomorphic pommels are very rare on Pichangattis. Congrats. A Coorgi would call it 'Peechekatthi' Last edited by olikara; 9th June 2009 at 06:14 PM. Reason: A small addition

14th June 2009, 12:55 PM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Parrot With regards to the parrot head, I see this "style" in a number of weapons, one that comes to mind is a Parang Nabur in Stones, page 482, figure 614.1 It was also very common and late 19th century walking canes.... Is there something special about parrots to include them in the hilts of knives and swords? Gav

14th June 2009, 06:12 PM	#6
olikara Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: India Posts: 100	Parrot Head Gav, Yes, parrots and horse heads are a very common feature on Indian hilts. Ram and lion heads are also seen. But this is the first Pichangetti I have seen with a parrot head hilt. There could always be more that may have escaped my eyes. The parrot in India represents the vehicle of the Hindu God of Love - 'Kama'. It represents the feeling of love and gentleness, quite the opposite of the instruments of war. But then, the romantic rose is a favorite adornment on Indian hilts after the poppy and the Iris ;-) Nidhi Last edited by olikara; 14th June 2009 at 06:19 PM. Reason: Added answer to another query

14th June 2009, 05:45 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	I believe this is the finest and most complete one to date to show up on our forum. Congrats!