The fine Delhi-style steel hilt of characteristic form, elaborately inlaid throughout with floral sprays in gold, and mounted with a Qajar era blade of rare form, very slightly curved and broad, with a pair of narrow fullers at each side of the spine, and an acute, radiused tip designed for both tip cut and thrust. Wrought of fine Persian wootz with a complex, active pattern, and elaborately inlaid in gold along the spine and at the forte on either side with Islamic inscriptions, including a cartouche depicting a lion signifying the work of Assad Allah. Beginning of the 19th century. Losses to gold, blade with minor areas of pitting. Wire a working life addition. Overall length 78.5cm. Condition III