An 18th or 19th century South Indian bichwa type dagger, with double-edged 22cm recurve blade and characteristic hilt with outer shell guard. The guard being blued and decorated with gold hatching and dots. The grip has been re-wrapped. The sheath accommodates the dagger, but was not made for it, instead being for a good quality kard knife, of wood with a fabric covering and elaborate gold highlighted iron fittings. Overall length of dagger 34cm.