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North Indian Short Sword (Khyber Sword)
Lahore - Delhi, India (Pakistan - India)
Late 18th - Mid- 19th century
Steel, silver, gold, ivory, wood, leather, metal alloy
Blade: 13 1/4" (33.7cm)
Hilt & Blade: 19 1/4" (48.9cm)
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 25 1/4" (64.1cm)
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 428

Ex. American Art Market (2024)

A short sword originating from Northern India, very much similar to Afghan Khyber swords of the same shape, but slightly differing in form with the straighted hilt without curved pommel, and gold with silver koftgari decorations. The koftgari is reminiscent of Mughal work with flowering buds and meandering vines. This is an old example dating from the late 18th into the 19th century.

The heavy hand forged single- edged steel blade having a well pronounced T-shaped cross section spine with an iron backstrap ending in an iron lanyard loop. The blade presents bright and reflective koftgari panels of internal designs within, each side displaying differentiating patterns. Floral motifs of flowering buds in gold with silver vine work enclosed by gold border panels. The blade has a forging flaw toward the point. it is very likely the blade had been damaged at one time and shortened and reforged for continued use. The T- shaped spine is also decorated in gold and silver koftgari geometric patterns. Losses throughout to the koftgari work.

The hilt is composed of four sections of elephant ivory scale grips, riveted in place on each side by four iron nails. The coloration is now a beautiful deep orange hue patina from time. There is a large chip to one scale. Brass bolster.

Original black leather over wooden sheath. The top section of plaited leather, tooled mid- section, and white the metal alloy (tin?) chape that is decorated in repoussé work of flowing floral buds, vines, and geometric designs. Some losses to the leather on the sheath.

A very old example with some condition issues. A lot of care was given from the owner to maintain this sword in its working life as seen from its use and repairs to keep it functioning throughout the generations. A well traveled piece with a lot of character.

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[1] “The Dr. Leo S. Figiel Collection of Mogul Arms”. 1998. Page 82. #2097

[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=3194

[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4020

[4] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/unusual-khyber-knife

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