SOLD Authentic Antique, 17th century, Mughal Indian Yali, dagger, Deccan sultanates, Hyderabad, or Mysore.

The hilt, made in cast and chased bronze, comprised of a grip with the pommel in the form of the Yali head with horned bulging eyes separated by a crest to the forehead, an open gaping mouth with powerful dragon-like teeth. The lower part decorated with the l ring in the lotus form an elaborated cross guard and bolster on both sides of the ricasso chased with scrollwork.

A recurved, two stages, sturdy steel blade ornamented on both faces with chased pattern, in its fabric – covered, wooden scabbard.

A yali is a leogrpyh, a fantastic composite rearing lion, or tiger, with aspects of the dragon, or gryphon. It is also called a yalaka, meaning a horned, hybrid lion. The term sinha mukha means, literally, lion’s head, or face.

References:

1. Hindu Arms and Ritual: Arms and Armour from India 1400 – 1865. By Robert Elgoot.

2. Indian Arms And Armour Volume II by, G.N. Pant

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.

MEASUREMENTS: Overall length with the scabbard: 25.5 cm (10.4 inches). Overall length of the dagger without the scabbard: 23.5 cm (9.25 inches).

CONDITION: In good condition and shape considering its age, with signs of age and usage, some pitted spots on the blade, and scratches, which can be expected from an old combat weapon.