Indian wootz-steel bladed Lance from Rajasthan

A rare Indian spear or lance from Rajasthan. The head of fine wootz steel chiselled with a decorative panel at its base, where it is mounted with a makarras head to either side, the central blade section showing a strong watered or jauhar pattern. Below the head is a feature sometimes seen on these lances from the North and little understood, perhaps some form of guard, or a mount for a pennant. Each steel arm terminates with a chiselled swans head. Below the steel head is a small silver collar finely chiselled with decoration, the foliate frieze showing a repeating pattern often seens on knife sheaths, and borders on armour of this region. The shaft of stout dark wood carved with a stepped pattern for its length and ending with a silver cap to the butt. circa 1800. indo persian