Description:

Central Asia, Southern India, ca. 19th century CE. A steel katar, or "punch dagger," featuring an iron H-shaped horizontal hand grip adorned with exquisite gold false-damascening (overlay), with gold purity ranging from 42% to 64% (equivalent to 10K+ to 15K+). The triangular blade extends below the user's knuckles and was originally designed to pierce armor, leveraging the full weight of the body for a powerful punching action, rather than the thrusting motion typical of a sword or staff. Unique to Southern Asia, katars served both practical and symbolic purposes. As status symbols, the elite often carried highly ornamental examples - as intimidating accessories for self-protection. This katar comes with a velvet and wood sheath - while the sheath is likely modern, the iron chape tip is probably contemporary with the blade and is also adorned with false-damascening, featuring gold of 25% purity. Size in sheath: 17.5" L x 3.2" W (44.4 cm x 8.1 cm) blade: 9" L x 2.25" W (22.9 cm x 5.7 cm); gold quality: 25% to 64% (equivalent to 10K+ to 15K+)

Provenance: private Lafayette, Colorado, USA collection

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#190861

  • Condition: Blade is sharp and was polished along the tip, with some nicks and patina along the length. Some losses and rubbing to gold overlay. Sheath is modern with an antique iron chape tip. The chape is abraded with losses to gold.

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January 23, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000