Bidspirit auction | AN AFGHAN KHYBER SALAWAR SWORD

AN AFGHAN KHYBER SALAWAR SWORD WITH GOLD KOFTGARI, 19TH CENTURY. - A 19th-century Afghan Khyber knife, also known as a salawar yataghan or charay. The piece is characterised by a heavy steel blade featuring a pronounced T-shaped cross-section along the spine, tapering to a sharp point. The forte of the blade is decorated on both sides with intricate gold koftgari damascening depicting dense scrolling floral and foliate motifs. A further small stylised gold decorative device is inlaid into the mid-section of the blade. The hilt is constructed with a full tang fitted with two carved organic scales, likely bone, which are secured by four iron rivets. The metal bolster and back-strap are similarly embellished with gold koftgari floral borders. The hilt terminates in a traditional down-turned pommel. L: Approximately 77cm