Bidspirit auction | Fine 18th Century Mughal Indian

Fine 18th Century Mughal Indian Katar with Wootz Steel Blade, Gold Koftgari Hilt & Original-Style Scabbard - A fine and highly decorative 18th century Indian katar (push dagger) of Mughal form, featuring a broad, strongly reinforced wootz steel blade of elongated triangular profile. The blade is formed with pronounced converging longitudinal ribs and a substantial medial reinforcement, terminating in a sharply defined point. Subtle watered patterning characteristic of wootz steel is visible across the blade surfaces. The traditional all-steel katar hilt is richly ornamented with extensive gold koftgari, covering the long parallel side bars and the pair of shaped transverse grip bars with dense floral and foliate decoration. The gold work remains particularly attractive, with areas of expected wear revealing the darkened steel ground and emphasizing the age of the piece. Accompanied by a fitted red textile-covered scabbard, decorated with repeating gold-toned floral and paisley-type motifs and fitted with a metal chape. The scabbard shows age-related wear and losses consistent with use and preservation. A visually impressive example combining a substantial wootz blade with unusually extensive surviving gold decoration, representative of the sophisticated arms produced for the Mughal and princely courts of India during the 18th century. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 21”, Blade length : 11” x 2 3/8”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.