Rare and Early Chillanum Dagger

The Chillanum dagger is one of the rarest forms of daggers from the Indian arsenal, a member of a class of daggers from the Deccan. The Chillanum appeared in the 16 C. It is characterized by the re-curving blade and styled X shaped handle. Daggers in this class may take various shapes but all share the typical re-curving blade.

This one is 17C. from central or south India. Re-curving blade of good thickness with double fuller and slightly thickened tip. The ricasso part of the blade is decorated with delicate floral gold and silver inlay. Whole steel handle with lunette shaped I pommel plates riveted and set with gold rosettes (later). This pommel shape leads to the Khanjarli style daggers appeared later

Blade 13 inches (33 cm). Total length 17 inches (43 cm). Very good condition to age. Good age color to the pommel plates. Minor blackened spots on the blade and lightly pitted grip. Minor losses to the silver inlay.  This dagger comes with a later made fabric covered scabbard (Not shown). Authentic early rare and elegant dagger.

For similar Chillanum see: Robert Elgood " Hindu Arms and Ritual." page 179 fig 16.36

Also

Metropolitan Museum number 36.25.747