Sword and scabbard 1775 - 1875
Watered crucible steel, gold, enamel, wood, velvet, silver-gilt thread | 84.0 x 11.5 x 7.6 cm (excluding loop, tassel etc.) | RCIN 11421
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A sword with a short and recurved watered crucible steel blade overlaid in gold with a talismanic square, reserved by foliate motifs and dots. These were applied to sword in the belief that they would provide protection for the owners. The steel hilt, knuckleguard and pommel overlaid in gold with a finial and tassel. The green velvet covered wooden scabbard decorated with gold mounts enamelled with red flowers on a white ground, likely to have been made in Jaipur.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Ram Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur. During the Prince's four month tour of the Indian subcontinent, the Prince met and exchanged gifts with over 90 Indian rulers. Some of the gifts presented to the Prince include antique swords, such as this example reputedly worn by the Maharaja of Jaipur's ancestor, Maharaja Bishan Singh (1672-99).
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Creator(s)
(enamel manufacturer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watered crucible steel, gold, enamel, wood, velvet, silver-gilt thread
Measurements
84.0 x 11.5 x 7.6 cm (excluding loop, tassel etc.)
25.0 cm (length)
Category