South Asia, India, likely Rajasthan, ca. late 19th century CE. This is an intimidating but exciting steel katar dagger with the wood sheath, also known as a katara or bundi dagger, perfect for jabbing punches rather than traditional slashing methods. The blade is thick and triangular: a deadly pointed tip and a pronounced midrib and fuller grooves. The H-shaped handle and guard is cast directly on to the blade - the elongated side panels protect the uses wrist and forearm and provide stability to the blade, and both are incised with a vine and foliate pattern. Spanning the center is a close-set pair of bars that facilitate a firm grip, the handle and guard panels are gilt with a shimmering gold. The sheath made from a lightweight wood panel covered in a red velvet cloth with a blue and yellow trim. These types of daggers are unique to South Asia as both religious ceremonial items and defense weapons - royalty often hunted tigers with katars to prove their bravery. Size (in sheath): 18" L x 3.25" W (45.7 cm x 8.3 cm); (blade): 9.5" L x 2.5" W (24.1 cm x 6.4 cm) Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #169284