Sikh Tulwar
Full Description:
The hilt of this tulwar has been generously overlaid with multi-petalled flowerheads in gold: the koftgari work is typical of tulwars made towards the end of the Sikh Empire (1799-1849) in the Punjab workshops. The hilt comprises langets with lotus-head outlines, domed quillons, and a centrally swollen grip. A knuckle guard with animal-head terminal recurves toward the disc-pommel which has been attached with a pointed sunburst plaque, a decorative feature further fitted at its centre with a lightly fluted dome and lotus bud finial.
A pattern-welded blade of considerable size and quality is fitted to the hilt and exhibits a beautiful pattern of gentle waves and hazy swirls over its surface. A graceful fuller has been cut over the greater part of the central section, the blade curving sharply to one side at approximately halfway along its length.