Lot 353
- 353
An iron-hilted bird-head dagger and scabbard, South India, 18th century
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- Steel, wood
the double edged steel blade with central ridge, the iron hilt formed as a bird's head rounded pommel set with red gemstone eyes set in gold, the chape engraved with elephants between an inscription "ever loyal fort vizianagram", the cloth covered scabbard with gold mounts designed as stylize palmettes and hook with threads for hanging
Condition
In good condition, minor pitting to blade, very minor abrasions to metal hilt, one red gem stone shattered, discoloration and loss of vevlet to the scabbard fabric, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The decoration on the forte of the present dagger represents the coat of arms of the Vizianagaram Estate in Andhra Pradesh, which comprises two elephants supporting a jewelled canopy and flags, with the legend 'Ever Loyal'. The fort at Vizianagaram was constructed between 1712 and 1714. Pusapati Vijaya Rama Gajapathi Raju, one of the ruling family of Vizianagaram, made an alliance with the French in 1754, but the territory was soon ceded to the British who retained its control until independence in 1947.