A ROYAL MUGHAL SWORD (TALWAR)

EUROPE AND NORTH INDIA, DATED AH 1072/1661 AD

Details

A ROYAL MUGHAL SWORD (TALWAR)
EUROPE AND NORTH INDIA, DATED AH 1072/1661 AD
The broad curved single-edged European blade double-edged towards the raised point and cut with two fullers over most of its length on each side, each stamped at the forte 'I VCNO I' and on one side with dated owners' stamp, the iron hilt of characteristic form with chiselled knuckle-guard terminating in a tiger-head, decorated overall with bold gold damascened flowers within damascened panelled borders, the fragmentary wooden scabbard leather-covered and with remains of old collector's label, hilt worn in places, blade with traces of old corrosion, scabbard damaged
33½in. (85cm.) long

Lot Essay

The stamped inscription on the blade reads: 'Alamgir Shahi in the 4th regnal year'.

The Emperor Aurangzeb defeated and killed his brother Prince Dara Shikoh before deposing his father Shah Jahan and assuming the throne in 1666. This sword exhibits the exuberant floral designs that his father had made popular at the Mughal court and which closely resemble those on the hilt of Dara Shikoh's sword at the Victoria and Albert Museum. (VAM: IS 214-1964).

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