18th C. Indian Steel Katar w/ Scissor Blades

Central Asia, India, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A forged-steel katar (also katara or bundi dagger) with an H-shaped horizontal hand grip and a chevron-shaped shoulder. The large blade is triangular in form and has sharpened edges that taper to a point, and an articulated handle trigger enables the 'blade' to be opened to reveal a second blade within. The handle and exterior blade halves are decorated with etched foliate and zoomorphic motifs, and fine patina envelops the entire weapon. Accompanying the weapon is a cloth-wrapped wooden sheath. Size: 15.8" L x 3.875" W (40.1 cm x 9.8 cm).

Provenance: private J. Hallen collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2011; ex-Marlboro, New York, USA collection

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#151129 Dimensions: Condition Report: Minor abrasions to handle, exterior blades, and interior blade, with softening to some etched foliate and zoomorphic motifs, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Exterior blades still articulate when trigger is squeezed. Nice patina throughout. Sheath has wear and loosening to cloth fibers and interior wooden panels.