A Fine Deccani Chain-Mail Coat, 17th Century, India

of riveted mail covering the lower neck, arms, torso and upper legs, enclosing at the front with two large plates each fitted with four buckles extending from foliate form mounts, two smaller plates on the sides forming a curve, the rear with 3 vertical registers of overlapping plaques with bracket-form indents on the central register, two smaller panels on the sides, Arabic and devanagari inscriptions on back of breast plates

heavily greased and with oxidised deposit to the surface, dirty to handle, minor losses, overall in very good condition, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These types of chainmail coats were made at Bijapur as part of a group which entered the armoury at Bikaner, the capital of the Adilshahi dynasty, defeated by the Maharajah Anup Singh at Adoni in 1689. The quality and details of this particular piece suggest that it was made for a high-ranking individual. Inscriptions in Arabic and Devanagari script on the inner sides of the breast-plates give details of its capture.

A shirt with similar features is in the Khalili collection (Alexander 1992, p.160, no. 100). A slightly different example from the same war booty with minor distinctions in decorations was exhibited in Paris (Ricketts and Missillier 1988, p.85, no.141).