Fine Persian Khanjar Dagger with wootz damascus blade

A large Persian deeply curved Khanjar dagger. Wonderful blade made of fine quality damascus wootz steel, with raised central rib, the forte beautifully chiselled with lions catching their prey. The waisted steel hilt wholly decorated with gold, central panels containing arabic calligraphy. The sheath of this piece is a most unusual and rare survival, covered in red silk velvet fabric and decorated with panels of embroidered silver thread (worn). This fine dagger dates to the 18th or early 19th century.  indo persian