Remarkably Fine Silver Decorated Mughal Indian Battle Axe Circa 1825

The crescentic blade is 5 inches from tip to tip. The axe is 21 inches overall. The stout blade is beautifully silver Damascened with sprays of flowers and tendrils. The undecorated portion of
the blade appears to be Damascus. The square hammer is decorated ensuite.

The axe blade is finely forged in one piece and not the usually encountered two piece late 19th century parade or tourist axe. The steel haft with two reinforcing rings is decorated throughout its length with heavily Damascened silver flowers and foliage. The haft ends in a ball finial which unscrews to reveal a wicked 6 and 1/2 inch single edge dagger.

This is a serious axe forged for use weighing one pound 12 ounces and is superbly embellished.

Adding to its collector value the axe has been deaccessioned from the Collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and still bears the museum red collection number 13.87. A rare opportunity to acquire a guaranteed museum piece.