Katar
 

This is the first ethnographic weapon I ever bought. I saw it at an acquaintance's house and was fascinated by this weapon unknown to me, we are talking 30/35 years ago. Bought this Katar at a fair for antique weapons a little later. No idea if it was a good specimen but I was immediately sold. Oal 41.5 cm. At the tip there is a texture to be seen, wootz maybe. I have made some damascus steel in the past but I have no experience with wootz. Bought in this condition, no idea if it's worth etching or leaving it like this. Would love your comments.

Best regards
Marc

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Hi Marc, while I am not directly a collector of Indian arms I have had the privilege of handing a few pieces over the years and a decent mount of wootz. From the photographs and the lamination seen at the tip of this katar, it seems to be more likely a pattern welded piece. I find the current patina quite beautiful and it seems to have decent age as well.

Certainly a better first purchase than I think many of us have made!

Hi Ian

Thanks for your response, I am still satisfied with my first purchase.The pattern is slightly visible in a few places on the blade but always the wavy pattern . The patina/rust is indeed quite attractive so I will leave it as is.

Best regards
Marc

Hi Marc,


I have not posted for several recons, but I will answer your question as best I can.
I think it is Close to Himalaya, very close, and from the 18th century. I hope this will help you further.


Jens

This is totally amazing!!! JENS! you have been DEEPLY missed!

Marc, you have stirred the sleeping giant of katars! and this description is remarkable, showing you have acquired, and been holding, a fascinating example of one of these distinct weapons from regions not often associated with them.

Jens, Im so glad to see you here :)

Welcome back, Jens!

Hi Jens

Thanks for your response, it's better than I thought.
And you got Jim excited with this response.
Apparently a pretty good first purchase,.


Best regards
Marc

Hi Marc,


Please send me a PM and I will answer your questions. I also have a question to you.


Kind regards
Jens

Great to see you posting again Jens. Welcome back.

Thank you Ian.
There are many different types of the katar, and I think that a few, but some, have noticed it. As some may know. I have more than 50, so it would be close to me to research them - and so I did.
Jens