A fine Mughal blued-steel hilted sword (talwar) with chevron watered blade and gold-mounted scabbard, India, 18th/19th century

the single-edged slightly curved blade with double recess and chevron watering, the blued steel hilt of baluster form with disc pommel inlaid in gold with registers of flowering plants with pearl and chevron borders, the later velvet-covered wood scabbard with gold openwork mounts decorated with floral and vegetal scrolls

minor areas of pitting and patination to blade and hilt, minor wear to velvet of scabbard, traces of original bluing on steel hilt, 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."

The chevron pattern on the blade is achieved by welding alternate wedge-shaped segments of steel together in a chevron design. Such blades were forged in Rajasthan and Punjab as early as the seventeenth century. Examples can be found in most museum armoury collections in India, notably in Delhi, Alwar, Jodhpur, Mumbai and others. The V&A has at least two examples. For a discussion of the technique, see Figiel, L., On Damascus Steel, New York, 1991, pp.104-7.