Fine Indian Kard Knife with Wootz Blade

The word “Kard” is originally the Persian word for a knife. In the collectors vocabulary it is referred to large knife, with heavy blade, intend mainly for thrusting. Such thrusting knives were common in all the area from the Balkan in the west to Indo-China in the east, from the early 18 C. and on, and so is the use of the word “Kard”

The exemplar Kard knife exhibited here is Indian, early 19 C. probably from Rajasthan or otherwise north India. heavy blade forged from good high contrast watered steel (wootz). Steel bolsters. Steel pierced grip strap with gold inlay decoration. Walrus grips. Velvet covered scabbard with gilded brass mounts with beautiful floral engraving.

Blade 10 inches. Total length 17 inches. very good condition. Good age patina on the grips. The steel bolsters are a later replacement and so is the velvet cover on the scabbard. Losses to the gilding on the scabbard mounts.