Rare early Deccan dagger 16th century

 A rare early South Indian steel dagger. The form and decoration of this dagger stylistically ties it to a form of early straight sword, one example of which is found in Junagarh fort in Bikaner, other examples in the British Museum. Ref Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual, Fig. 8.29. Good old patination, some nicks to one edge of blade. 16th century, Deccan. indo persian