Antique Islamic Indo Persian Indian Mughal Silver Inlaid Steel Shield Dhal 18th Century India

Antique early 18th-century Islamic Indo-Persian Indian Mughal steel shield Dhal. The shield is circular and convex, hand-hammered from a single piece of thick solid steel with visible hammer marks on the inside but a perfectly smooth exterior surface. 

The outer surface is extensively decorated with fine koftgari inlaid in silver. The design features intricate floral and creeper patterns on a blackened ground.

The shield has a broad reinforcing band appliquéd to its rim, riveted in place. In the center, there are four domed rosette bosses attached with ring bolts for straps on the reverse side of the shield.

MEASUREMENTS: Diameter: 35 cm (13.78 inches).

CONDITION: It shows its age and use. It is in good condition for an old combat shield that has been in use for 300 years.

REFERENCES:

1. A nearly identical shield is in the National Museum in New Delhi collection, described as Mughal North Indian and dated to the early 18th century. Published in the book "Indian Armours in the National Museum Collection Catalogue" by G.N. Pant and K.K. Sharma. Page 92. Figure.82.

2. Identical shield is published in the book:

"Contribution A L'Etude Des Armes Orientales Inde et Archipel Malais. Tome Second. PL." by P. Holstein. Published by Levy, Paris, 1931. PL. XXVIII. No.270.

Please see the last two pictures in the listing.

We will also provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.

Link to the similar Dhal on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhal_%28shield%29

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.