Indian Silver Khanjar - any thoughts?

Ian · Yesterday, 03:18 PM

Osca,

Welcome to the Forum and thank you for presenting this beautiful knife for discussion. As already noted, it is an item of substantial quality. The fittings on the scabbard are well done, the blade is well forged, but the hilt is outstanding with a lot of features to admire. The curves of the various elements of the hilt are very well composed, and may well conform to the "golden spiral" in several areas. High quality, decorative Mughal work has been shown to use the proportions of the golden spiral in numerous forms of art.

I believe that there is even an elephant head, with its trunk comprising the knuckle guard, and its head and tusks inferred from the curves at the base of the hilt.

The rounded pommel reflects, I think, the head of a pheasant, with the terminal end of the elephant trunk and "macara" providing its beak. A pheasant would be an auspicious feature, often associated with wealth and high rank.

What an extraordinary gift!

Regards, Ian.

Yesterday, 03:18 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,738	Osca, Welcome to the Forum and thank you for presenting this beautiful knife for discussion. As already noted, it is an item of substantial quality. The fittings on the scabbard are well done, the blade is well forged, but the hilt is outstanding with a lot of features to admire. The curves of the various elements of the hilt are very well composed, and may well conform to the "golden spiral" in several areas. High quality, decorative Mughal work has been shown to use the proportions of the golden spiral in numerous forms of art. I believe that there is even an elephant head, with its trunk comprising the knuckle guard, and its head and tusks inferred from the curves at the base of the hilt. The rounded pommel reflects, I think, the head of a pheasant, with the terminal end of the elephant trunk and "macara" providing its beak. A pheasant would be an auspicious feature, often associated with wealth and high rank. What an extraordinary gift! Regards, Ian.