Antique Islamic Mughal Indian Jade Hilted Damascus Steel Dagger Khanjar 18th Century India

A superb quality antique 18th century Islamic Mughal Indian jade-hilted Damascus steel dagger (khanjar) from North India.
The hilt is finely carved from a single piece of celadon jade. It features a swelling fluted grip, a scrolled crossguard, and a pommel decorated with three leaves. At the top of the pommel, three large flower buds rest on short stems, all linked by a curved knuckle guard carved with a rope pattern that terminates in a scroll finial.
The excellent quality, solid, curved, massive double-edged blade is reinforced with a central rib, while the rest of the edge is slightly raised towards the reinforced tip, designed to penetrate chain mail and other types of protective armor.
The blade is hand-forged from Damascus crucible steel with a fine step wootz pattern.
Both faces of the forte are adorned with two cartouches, finely gold damascened in koftgari foliage in typical Mughal fashion, enclosed by silver inlaid frames.
The dagger features its original wooden scabbard, elegantly covered in green velvet fabric and adorned with a beautifully shaped and pierced brass chape.

CONDITION:
The item is in very good condition, and the scabbard made of green velvet shows wear.

MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length with the scabbard: 48.5 cm (19.09 inches).
Overall length without the scabbard: 46 cm (18.11 inches).
Length of the blade: 31 cm (12.2 inches).
Width of the blade at the widest point: 5.5 cm (2.17 inches).
Total weight: 672 grams( 1.482 lb).

REFERENCES:

An 18th century Indian Mughal dagger with similar in form Jade hilt are published in the following books .

1. "The Art of the Muslim Knights: The Furusyya Art Foundation" Page 200 .Number.189.

2. Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime's Passion" by Robert Hales.Page49. Fig106.

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

PROVENANCE: Ex-private old Canadian collection of Islamic art, which also included antique arms and armor formed in the 1980s.

To see all 21 pictures of the dagger please see the link below:

https://www.antiquesword101.com/Islamic-Oriental-Arms-and-Armor.php#!/Antique-Islamic-Mughal-Indian-Jade-Hilted-Damascus-Steel-Dagger-Khanjar-18th-Century-India/p/720914169/category=3736928