Details of a Mughal Dagger
- Unknown Artist / Maker
- Dated: 1562
- Culture: Delhi, India
- Medium: steel, rock crystal, gold, rubies, emeralds, diamonds
- Measurements: Length: 39 cm; weight: 0.31 kg, without scabbard
The hilt of this magnificent Mughal dagger is fashioned from rock crystal inlaid with gold and set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. The name “Claud Martin” is lightly inscribed in tiny letters on one panel of the stone, half-way up the grip.
Claude Martin was a Frenchman who fought against the British in India, but changed sides following the siege and fall of Pondicherry in 1790-1. He joined the army of the British East India Company as an Ensign.
He worked his way up through the ranks to become Major General in charge of the Lucknow Arsenal. He is recorded as having been an enthusiastic collector of princely Mughal Indian arms and armour, so this dagger was presumably once his.
Source & Copyright: The Wallace Collection
Mughal Dagger
- Dated: 17th century - 18th century
- Culture: North India
- Medium: Jade, steel, gold and cabachon rubies and emeralds
- Measuremenrs: Length: 24.1 cm, blade
- Unknown Artist / Maker
Source & Copyright: The Wallace Collection
Nepalese or Indian Kukri
- Dated: 19th century
- Culture: Nepalese or Indian
- Measurements: Overall 19½ inches
The weapon has a 16 inch broad blade, 3¾ inches at its widest, sharp along the inside edge and engraved either side. It is inlaid in several places with brass and features a jambiya type hilt engraved all over with elephants, tigers and male and female deities.
Source: © Antique Arms
Ceremonial dagger with light-green jade hilt
- Dated: 17th century (hilt)
- Culture: Indian, Mughal
- Measurements: L: 40.3 cm
Daggers of this type, inlaid with gold and with rubies and emeralds set in gold, were made for the ruling upper class. The cut-and-thrust weapons of high-ranking Indian officials, and especially their daggers, were embellished with great imagination with precious stones, enamel, and – as here – with entire hilts made of carved semi-precious stones. Knives of this kind were considered jewelry for men and were often used as princely gifts.
Source: © The David Collection
