Object Title

Dagger and scabbard (katar)

Dagger and scabbard (katar)

Date

1850

Object Number

XXVID.84

Provenance

Purchased from the Great Exhibition, 1851.

Physical Description

The blade katar blade has a heavy blade with reinforced point. The central panel is divided by a large central rib with a sub-ordinate rib each side. The space between the ribs is further divided by shallow transverse ridges arranged chevronwise. At the top of the blade is an oval panel edged with small carved leaves. On one side there is an inscription in gold koftgari beneath a carved elephant's head. On the reverse is just the head. The hilt is entirely gilded and has round section, writhen side bars joined by two horizontal grips joined by pierced flowers and foliage. It is housed in a wooden scabbard covered in green velvet that has a pocket on one side.

Dimensions

Dimensions: The length of the blade is 234 mm, the overall length is 449 mm and the length of the scabbard being 267 mm. Weight: The weight of the dagger is 0.640 kg, that of the scabbard being 0.068 kg.

Inscriptions and Marks

The blade is inscribed: The dagger of Rajah Ram Singh of Bundi, Rajah of Rajahs, year 1907 (Vikrama era).

Associations

Bibliographic References

J. Hewitt, Official catalogue of the Tower Armouries, London, 1859, no. xv.224, p.104.

Viscount Dillon, Illustrated guide to the Armouries, London, 1910, no. xv.250, p.29.

Notes

Described by Hewitt as having a ' blade inscribed in Nagari characters, 'The dagger of Rajah Ram Sing of Bundi, the Rajah of rajahs: 1907.' (A.D. 1850) On each side of the blade is chased in relief an elephant's head. The sheath has a pouch contrived on its outside.' (Hewitt, 1859)

Information

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