A chain-mail coat and helmet, Deccan, late 17th century

of riveted mail covering the head, neck, arms, torso and upper legs, enclosing at the front with four large plates, the helmet with two major side plates and a central ridged plate with spade-shaped nose-guard, all connected by interlocking mail and surmounted by a small boss

This item is in good overall condition. Minor oxidation throughout, especially to the borders of the plates. One perforation on a rectangular rear plate and a few plats with old damage, such as folds or breaks, with respective restoration. Very few missing rings from the mail. Light abrasions throughout. A few wires from later restoration. 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."

Though very similar to the armour used by Mamluk and Ottoman warriors, this type of chain-mail coat, with particularly large and lobed buckles, is distinctively Indian. Probably produced in Bijapur, the capital of the 'Adilshahi dynasty, a number of examples with close stylistic parallels were kept at the armoury at Bikaner in Rajasthan until early in the twentieth century. As David Alexander notes, these were originally captured following the defeat of the 'Adilshahi dynasty by the Maharajah Anup Singh at the siege of Adoni in 1689, and can be seen in a photograph of the camel corps dating from 1903 (D. Alexander, Weapons of the Islamic World, Riyadh, 2001, vol. II, p.42).

A similar shirt with almost identical rosette fittings is now in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection (see D. Alexander, The Arts of War, London, 1992, p.160, no.100). Two further comparable chain-mail coats sold in these rooms, one 9 April 2008, lot 257, the second 8 October 2008, lot 194.