Mughal Katar

A nice katar with silver gilded hilt and a wootz blade. The tapering blade has a thickness of just 2 mm and widens abruptly towards the tip where the thickness is 10 mm thus resulting in an armour-piercing point that was intended to pierce through chain mail. The point itself is of high carbon steel and scarf welded to the blade. The blade is in good condition and made of high contrast wootz but the pattern is obscured by a dark brownish patina. The overall design puts it among the so called 'Mughal' katars of the 17th century. Our example is probably 19th century and made during a revival mood. Condition is good with some wear to the cutting edges and some mild scattered pitting. No scabbard. 42 cm. 175 grams.

References

Majaraja Sawai Man Singh II Museum
Royal Collection nos 38193 and 37433
Royal Armouries no. xxvid.85