A 17th Century Indian Tooroom Katar with Fluted Blade

15" blade length. About 22" overall with hilt. Triangular double edge spear point blade with heavy fluting to both sides, possibly of European make. Blade has chiseled iron braces to both sides riveting blade to hilt. Hilt has a cupped guard and chiseled details including a grotesque head to swept quillon. Possibly decorated with silver koftgari at some point.

According to Stone, katars are known to be some of the oldest and most characteristic of Indian blades. They are often found with 16th-17th century European blades that have been riveted to the hilt, or with native made blades that are typically cast all in one piece to hilt. The guard seen on this item is referred to as a tooroom or turup, and usually date to about the 17th century according to Tirri's Islamic Weapons: Maghrib to Moghul (2004).

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

About fair. Metal has heavy pitting and scratching overall. Blade is slightly bent in center. Crosspieces are somewhat loose.

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