Indian Silver-gilt Sainte Spear / Parrying weapon

A scarce Indian weapon known as a ‘Saint’ or ‘Sainte’,  used both defensively as a parrying weapon, and offensively as a spear. The piece is made from steel, the hand grip protected with a handguard, the length is chiselled with designs and overlaid with silver-gilt. The spear blade is very thick and robust with a central ridge for additional strength and a thickened tip. The butt end with a very attractively shaped finial, the whole piece is heavy and patinated from age, the gilt-silver mostly worn. Very rare piece to find. This is an early piece dating to the 17th century or earlier. indo persian