Its hilt overlaid with thick silver, then fire-gilt.

27 cm
69 mm
42.5 mm wide
Iron
624 grams
South India
17th century
From a Scandinavian private collection
Description
A somewhat rare spike for a south Indian spear or lance.
It consists of a long conical spike, with the addition of two flattened spheres. The condition is not great, but close observation shows it was quite nice when new, with subtle chiseled decoration and engravings. The spheres are also very nicely shaped, with ribs with concave sections in between. Each sphere has a separate iron "crown" piece at the top and bottom.



With an inscription alluding to it having belonged to the son of Tipu Sultan.
The basket hilt is elaborately overlaid with silver in floral designs.
Somewhat worn but once very high-quality, with great sculptural qualities and remains of silver "true…
Of a style often associated with Tanjore, the seat of the Vijayanagara empire.
Of classic shape, with a leaf-shaped blade on a socket, connected by a cast bronze base.