Indo-Persian Tulwar with Koftgari Gold-Inlaid Hilt, 18th-19th Century. 28-inch single-edged blade, the back s...
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Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
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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
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
November
13th
Thursday
Auction Dates
December
8th
Monday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
31 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 23
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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