Indian Silver Khanjar - any thoughts?

Osca · 3rd April 2026, 08:03 PM

Hi all - I was hoping to find out any additional info about this Indian Khanjar.

My mother was gifted it in the 1950s, I believe in Hyderabad.
It was pretty much discarded in the attic ever since - until I got interested in antique arms around 10 years ago and retrieved it.

I've showed it to a couple of specialists years ago, who suggested 18th century Southern India. They also noted the handle & scabbard was solid silver and the gold koftgari, makara finial.

I'd be delighted if anyone could give any further observations, to add to it's story.

Mercenary · 23rd June 2026, 01:39 PM

A completely authentic item, made for an owner from an original cultural background. A luxurious gift for your mother. Items like this were not highly valued at the time. No one would give something like this today.

This is certainly not from South India. The piece was crafted in imitation of Mughal daggers, which typically featured handles made from natural stone. It was made in Northern or Central India, and I strongly suspect it belonged to an Afghan — one of the new Indian elite of the 18th century. Hyderabad, by the way, was within their sphere of influence.

An unusual and unique item. There are no others quite like it. Don’t be too quick to part with it.

Battara · Yesterday, 07:06 PM

Great piece! Looks like the koftgari is good quality and old. The blade looks like it could have pattern welding in it.

3rd April 2026, 08:03 PM	#1
Osca Member Join Date: Apr 2026 Location: London Posts: 3	Indian Silver Khanjar - any thoughts? Hi all - I was hoping to find out any additional info about this Indian Khanjar. My mother was gifted it in the 1950s, I believe in Hyderabad. It was pretty much discarded in the attic ever since - until I got interested in antique arms around 10 years ago and retrieved it. I've showed it to a couple of specialists years ago, who suggested 18th century Southern India. They also noted the handle & scabbard was solid silver and the gold koftgari, makara finial. I'd be delighted if anyone could give any further observations, to add to it's story. Attached Images

23rd June 2026, 01:39 PM	#2
Mercenary Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Moscow, Russia Posts: 431	A completely authentic item, made for an owner from an original cultural background. A luxurious gift for your mother. Items like this were not highly valued at the time. No one would give something like this today. This is certainly not from South India. The piece was crafted in imitation of Mughal daggers, which typically featured handles made from natural stone. It was made in Northern or Central India, and I strongly suspect it belonged to an Afghan — one of the new Indian elite of the 18th century. Hyderabad, by the way, was within their sphere of influence. An unusual and unique item. There are no others quite like it. Don’t be too quick to part with it.

Yesterday, 07:06 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,407	Great piece! Looks like the koftgari is good quality and old. The blade looks like it could have pattern welding in it.