A jewel encrusted Indian Mughal dagger such as this is rarely seen at auction
Paul Fraser Collectibles,Friday 21September 2012
A rare Mughal-era, jewel-encrusted dagger from Northern India has topped a September 15-16 estate sale in New Jersey.
A "glorious example of human endeavour"
The remarkable piece was likely produced in the 18th to 19th century by the Kanhjar people, a nomadic group found in North India and Pakistan. It boasts a quillon, grip and pommel all made from gold, which are set with cabochon rubies, emerald and diamonds. The blade is made from finely worked Damascus steel.
A stunning piece, the dagger sold for $314,500, achieving an outstanding 2,516% increase on its $12,000 high estimate.
The buyer commented: "Beautifully crafted and decorated daggers such as this only come to auction once in a collector's lifetime. When I laid eyes on it, I immediately recognized not only the sheer beauty of its form, but also its undeniable historic and cultural significance."
"To think that centuries ago a fabulously wealthy and powerful Mughal Emperor or Indian Maharajah may well have owned this glorious example of human endeavour instils in me a deep sense of privilege and honour. Indeed, it is an incredible feeling to be the latest custodian of this elegant and rare weapon."
In April 2008, Bonhams sold a gold dagger that was owned by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan -the man who built the Taj Mahal -for $2.72m. Find out more with our top five most expensive antique weapons.
