Rare Deccan Sword from South India

A rare form of Indian sword. The hilt reminiscent of those found on the North Indian or Afghan Pulwouar or tulwar sword with drooping dragons head quilions, and a large hollow ‘cup’ pommel. The whole of the hilt is damascened with silver and gold koftgari decoration. The blade with an unusual broad rounded feature to the top which has sharp edges, the panel decorated with gold and silver designs (worn), the straight double-edged blade of superb quality steel probably damascus or very fine crystalline wootz, the edged raised and reinforced, and a central rib along the centre. Elgood states that these swords are probably Deccan South Indian, and have a long tradition of form, this sword would date to circa 1800. Age wear and patination to all parts including the silver and gold inlay indo persia zulfiqar shamshir tulwar sword sabre scimitar