Early Indian Chillanum Dagger with recurved blade and copper hilt

 An early Indian Dagger Chillanum or khanjarli, the recurved steel blade chiselled with linear fullers on both sides. With a small dished guard terminating with two round finials, and also a curved handguard to the front. With its original large copper grip scales, an unsual and interesting feature creating a nice soft pleasing appearance. There is some chiselled decoration at the blade forte worn with age, the copper brazing lines as well as overall appearance indicate an early date instead of the later brass soldering usually seen. 17th century or earlier. 33 cms overall length