Chiselled Tulwar

A late 18^th or early 19^th century Indian shamshir sword with heavily chiselled and chased iron tulwar hilt in floral scroll and foliate interlace arrangements, all done in a style that suggests the craftsman was influenced by silver work from Kutch.

Delicate quillion stalks, with large rounded quillion terminals, a knuckle chased with a leafy stalk and a makara finial.  The hilt has a pronounced cant which is a feature seen on various northern tulwars, but frequently on 17^th or 18^th century tulwar swords from Sind.  A large pommel disk with a floral border, and further central sunburst disc with a round bulbous finial.

A heavy steel, wedge shaped blade of considerable curvature in high polish, housed in a contemporary wooden scabbard with silver chape.