South Asia, Sri Lanka, Sinhalese culture, ca. 19th century CE. A handsome steel bladed dagger known as a piha keatta, the handle covered with elephant ivory and a chased brass pommel cap. The beautiful metalwork extends down the blade; using brass with a high copper content to create the golden hues. Throughout are intricate scrolling foliate Sinhalese style motifs - these were luxurious knives that were signs of wealth and prestige. Size: 11.5" L x 1.5" W (29.2 cm x 3.8 cm); blade only: 7.5" L x 1.5" W (19 cm x 3.8 cm)

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#179883

Small losses and chips along the brass pommel cap. Fissures and cracks in the ivory panels around the iron nails. Green patina and oxidation on the brass and steel. Brass chasing on the blade is beautiful and intact.