Massive Indian Tegha Sword with Damascus Blade

A scarce Indian sword ‘Tegha’. Very heavy and broad curved blade of pattern-welded damascus steel. The blade tip is broadened further with a ‘yelman’ of Turkish style, with a corresponding raised area to the forte of the spine. One side of the blade is deeply stamped with large mark, two semicircles and groups of dots relating to markings found on high quality Genoan blades. Near the forte is an ovoid cartouche originally inlaid with arabic calligraphy in silver, a further marking below the quillon. The hilt of steel with broad shaped quillon ends, a thickened grip, broad handguard, and a large dished pommel with drooping finial. These massive swords could have been used both for warfare and for executioning, despite the weight being heavier than the average sword, the balance is excellent. The damascus pattern is visible on both sides of the blades in areas. 19th century or earlier. 35 inches long approximately overall, width 2.5 inches at widest point.

 Indo-Persia