Arms and armour
Weapons formed by far the largest group of presents received. On account of the length of the tour and the number of rulers he met, the Prince returned home with an impressive collection representative of the different styles of manufacture across the subcontinent.
The most distinguished feature of Indian arms and armour is the use of watered crucible steel, which creates a rippled water-like patterning, particularly noticeable on the blades of swords and daggers. These weapons are forged from ingots made of iron and vegetable material combined and heated in a crucible (a container that can withstand very high temperatures).
The mixture of iron and carbon creates a natural swirling pattern and the high carbon content strengthens the blade.
Kashmir, India
Sword and scabbard
Indian
Dagger and scabbard
Indian; Mughal
Dagger and scabbard
South Indian; India
Punch dagger and scabbard
Indian
Sword and scabbard
Mohammed Ibrahim (active 1877)
Sword
? Indian; Punjab
Shield
Indian
Shield
Northern Indian
Arm guards
Indian
Punch dagger
Indian
Axe knife and sheath
Indian
Punch dagger with pistols
Indian