Showing at Shapero Rare Books, Indian arms and armour specialist Runjeet Singh brings this 19th century 19th century khanjar dagger made in Persia during the Qajar period. Measuring 16in (42cm), the rare and unusual hilt is carved from walrus ivory to convey a variety of human heads.
The pommel shows two bearded and moustachioed men crowned with a row of red rubies while the grip depicts two female faces studded with turquoise roundels. The blade is decorated in gold with Islamic calligraphy with the accompanying wooden scabbard covered with an Iranian brocade and finished with a walrus-ivory tip.
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