Three Indian Bows, And Forty-Five Various Indian Arrows, 19th Century, The Arrows Mostly Late 18th Century

The first comprising two each of slightly curved tapering circular section decoratively lacquered in polychrome against an ochre ground, the other of tapering D-section with separate grip secured by cords, painted overall in polychrome with panels of geometric designs and flower-heads; the arrows each with variously shaped steel head, on bamboo shafts retaining polychrome decoration and some with bone nocks (flights missing, four with replacement pheasant feather flights) (48)

An old handwritten label attached to the arrows reads 'A Collection of 45 steel Headed (Tir, Mahratta Arrows.) India. Late 17th Century (Early 18th C.) Some; Armour Piercing, Poison, Stunners Etc. Central & Northern India-Weapons.'

For a similar group of arrows sold in these Rooms together with an Indian bow-case and quiver see Eastern Arms & Armour from the Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection, 29 April 2015, lot 186