Rare and Early 17 C. Chillanum Dagger with Ivory Pommel

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 silver inlay. Whole  steel handle with lunette shaped ivory pommel plates which lead to  later Khanjarli style daggers.

Blade 10 inches. Total length 13  inches. Very good condition to age. Good age color to the pommel plates. Minor losses to the silver inlay.  No scabbard. 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