AN INDIAN SILVER-MOUNTED TALWAR SWORD WITH TIGER POMMEL, 19TH C.

AN INDIAN SILVER-MOUNTED TALWAR SWORD WITH TIGER POMMEL, 19TH C.

An Indian talwar of the 19th century, possibly from the time of the 'Indian Mutiny'. The handle is decorated with engraving on each side, one side showing a leopard hunting a deer and the other side showing a tiger hunting what may be a boar. The pommel is shaped like a tiger's head with engraved features and protruding fangs. The blade is curved and has decorative engraving along the first 8 1/2 inches of the blade, The scabbard is made of a wooden core wrapped in green fabric and adorned with a silver chape and throat. Both chape and throat are engraved with very finely done filigree-work and stippling. The throat has an architectural engraving on its front.

L: 38.5 in. (97.79 cm.);
Condition: The silvered bronze hilt suffered several dents. The blade is in good condition but is slightly loose in the grip. May need to be cleaned. All other fittings are tight. The throat shows several small dents.