A STAG ANTLER LION-HILTED DAGGER India, Mughal or Deccan, 16^th-17^th century (the hilt) and 19^th century (the blade and mounting). The hilt boldly carved in the form of a lion with a fierce expression, the mouth agape revealing sharp teeth, the eyes with dark-inlaid pupils, the wavy fur finely incised. The gilt metal fittings with beaded, open worked floral decoration and neatly inset semi-precious stones.

Provenance: French trade.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and traces of use. The hilt with age cracks and small old repairs to both ears as well as a fine, golden-brown patina overall.

Weight: 549.3 g (total)
Dimensions: Length 11 cm (the hilt), 45 cm (the blade), and 65.5 cm (total)

The floral-decorated silk brocade scabbard further fitted with a gilt metal coat-of-arms bearing a shield surmounted by a five-pointed crown flanked by a lion and elephant above a ribbon with raised Devanagari inscription. The straight blade of triangular section.

Auction result comparison: Compare a related ivory dagger handle in the form of a lion, 12.3 cm high, dated late 17^th century and attributed to Deccan, at Christie’s New York in Indian and South East Asian Art on 21 March 2007, lot 387, sold for USD 15,600. Compare a related Mughal marine-ivory-hilted dagger with a ram’s head, dated to the 17^th century, at Sotheby’s London in The Sven Gahlin Collection on 6 October 2015, lot 142, sold for GBP 20,000.