Calligraphy handled (choora?) dagger

Rick · 19th May 2022, 01:15 AM

The koftgari appears to be in excellent condition on both examples shown in this thread considering the stated age.

David R · 19th May 2022, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

The koftgari appears to be in excellent condition on both examples shown in this thread considering the stated age.

High status pieces and well looked after!

mahratt · 19th May 2022, 11:11 AM

Do I understand correctly that no one considers this item as an expensive souvenir for tourists?

Nobody was embarrassed that the metal parts of the scabbard were not decorated with gold, but at the same time some funny and non-functional part was welded to the bottom part?

fernando · 19th May 2022, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahratt

Do I understand correctly that no one considers this item as an expensive souvenir for tourists?

Maybe someone (or so many) does

.

10thRoyal · 19th May 2022, 03:00 PM

Maybe it is just an old blade on a touristy handle but it doesn't make a half bad piece of wall art

ariel · 20th May 2022, 05:50 AM

See " Splendeur des armes orientales", p.119. Slightly more worn out koftgari, attributed to N. India, early 19th century.
The one from 10thRoyal has a blade forged from crystalline wootz , the pattern practically vanished post 17th century.
This is not a very practical weapon due to overfancy handle, likely worn infrequently or just stored in the personal collection of a highly placed person. Intact koftgari would not be unexpected as already mentioned by David R.

10thRoyal: if you were lucky enough to win it, - my congratulations! Ain't no touristy.

Ian · 20th May 2022, 06:39 AM

The similar example noted by ariel notwithstanding, I'm inclined to agree with Mahratt. The scabbard appears to be a poor mate for the apparent quality of the blade and hilt. There seems to be general agreement that this knife was produced for show rather than actual use.

10thRoyal · 20th May 2022, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

See " Splendeur des armes orientales", p.119. Slightly more worn out koftgari, attributed to N. India, early 19th century.

Ariel, would you be able to post that page? I'd be curious to see it.

20th May 2022, 05:50 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	See " Splendeur des armes orientales", p.119. Slightly more worn out koftgari, attributed to N. India, early 19th century. The one from 10thRoyal has a blade forged from crystalline wootz , the pattern practically vanished post 17th century. This is not a very practical weapon due to overfancy handle, likely worn infrequently or just stored in the personal collection of a highly placed person. Intact koftgari would not be unexpected as already mentioned by David R. 10thRoyal: if you were lucky enough to win it, - my congratulations! Ain't no touristy. Last edited by ariel; 20th May 2022 at 06:03 AM.

19th May 2022, 01:15 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	The koftgari appears to be in excellent condition on both examples shown in this thread considering the stated age.

19th May 2022, 11:11 AM	#3
mahratt Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Russia Posts: 1,042	Do I understand correctly that no one considers this item as an expensive souvenir for tourists? Nobody was embarrassed that the metal parts of the scabbard were not decorated with gold, but at the same time some funny and non-functional part was welded to the bottom part?

19th May 2022, 03:00 PM	#5
10thRoyal Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Posts: 79	Maybe it is just an old blade on a touristy handle but it doesn't make a half bad piece of wall art

20th May 2022, 06:39 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	The similar example noted by ariel notwithstanding, I'm inclined to agree with Mahratt. The scabbard appears to be a poor mate for the apparent quality of the blade and hilt. There seems to be general agreement that this knife was produced for show rather than actual use.