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Indo-Persian Tulwar with Koftgari Gold-Inlaid Hilt, 18th-19th Century.. ...
Description
Indo-Persian Tulwar with Koftgari Gold-Inlaid Hilt, 18th-19th Century.28-inch single-edged blade, the back sharpened for the last 10 inches to form a false edge near the tip. Blade measures just over 1 1/2-inches in width, forged in plain steel without pattern-welding or damascus decoration. Near the hilt on one side of the blade is a circular mark, possibly indicating the maker, the armorer, or perhaps the intended owner. The hilt is of steel, enriched with exquisite gold damascened koftgari outlining the highlighted areas of silvered finish. The scrolling handguard terminates in a large disc pommel of characteristic form, topped by a rounded finial. The sword measures approximately 33-inches overall. It is housed in a wooden scabbard covered in leather, the surface worked in a crisscross tribal design.
Note: According to Stone's Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor, the term tulwar (also spelled talwar, tulwuar, tarwar) broadly denotes the Indian saber. While it encompasses all curved swords of the Indian tradition, examples with very pronounced curvature are often referred to by their Persian name, shamshir.
Condition: Very good for its age. Sharp edge, some light nicks and imperfections. Some trivial spots of pitting. Small losses, wear and toning to koftgari. Scabbard with stress, loss and marks near the throat. Some scuffs and loss to leather.
Auction Info
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(Lots 40001-40299) - 10:00 AM Central Time, Monday, December 8, 2025.
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Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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