Fine Khanjarli Dagger with Bone Handle

The Khanjarli, one of the nicest and sought after dagger in the Indian weaponry. It is characterized by its strongly re-curving blade and wide lunette shaped pommel made of wood, horn, bone and mostly ivory. The Khanjarli is probably a development from the earlier Chilanum. Egerton in his book Oriental arms and armor suggest that they are originated from Vizianagram in south east India, while Elgood in his book Hindu Arms and rituals suggest it is originally from Orissa because of the massive ivory industry there at the time. There are few versions to Khanjarli, some appears with a D guard and some without.

The Khnjarli offered here ne is an early example, probably early 18 C. or earlier. Blade is nicely fullered engraved at the forte and painted red lines. Brass cross guard and D guard. The grip and the lunette shaped pommel are bone riveted to the tang with decorative brass rosettes. The ends of the cross guard are carved in the shape of human faces.

Blade 7 1/2  inches (18 cm) long.  Total length 11 ½ inches (29 cm). Very good condition. Very good deep dark age patina on the bone. Very minor chips. No scabbard.

For a similar example from stone collection now at the Met # 36.25.1064