Whole Steel 17 C. Chillanum Dagger

The Chillanum dagger is one of the rarest forms of daggers in 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.

The Chillanum offered here is early-mid 17C.  from south India. Heavy re-curving blade with a central rib and reinforced edges. Whole steel handle, grip and pommel buds and D guard. Oval steel cross guard with pierced border.

Blade length 11 inches (28 cm). Total length 17 inches (43 cm). Good condition to age. Losses to the cross guard rim and to the D guard edges. Polished blade.  No scabbard. Authentic early rare and elegant dagger.

Provenance: Old UK private collection of old tribal weapons, Catalog number 53.2010