Seldom seen Khanda
 

I'd like to share my pair of seldom seen early Hindu Khanda.

The larger example has a silvered and gilded/gold washed blade and an amazing fuller structure.
The smaller example in amongst the long list of cleans to take place, a small window etch reveals a very nice Wootz pattern. I must point out the smaller example is a standard sword length of 35&1/2 inches overall.

They both have many other very interesting finer aspects in the detail but I am afraid until they both receive some further cleaning it is pointless to photograph.

Gav

Congrats on 2nd Khada. Looking forward to see the wootz once cleaned when you get time to tackle it. Thanks for sharing! :)

Wootz
 

Thanks Nathaniel,

Got a little time today, had to keep my mind occupied.
Not a high contrast pattern but delicate in nature, proper cleaning, polishing and etching may enhance it more..

I did get some good shots of the imagery on the hilt today too, the whole surface is covered in chiseled design and I can't help thinking that I have seen this style of design on another Khanda somewhere, maybe in these pages ...maybe it came to me in a dream...
There is also a little original red 'paint ' (Red sandal wood paste? Elgood page 132, 13.1?) to the decorated surfaces of the hilt.
I must say I am very happy to now have another here that is in such fantastic original untouch condition.

Anyway I'll get to posting the hilt images shortly too.

Gav

Detail of the chiseling
 

I finally found a few minutes to photograph some of the finer hilt detailing on the smaller Khanda.
Elgood does offer fantastic insight into Hindu Khanda and the Symbology in 'Hindu Arms and Ritual'.
I'll continue to clean the blade and then enhance the very fine Wootz pattern.
As for the entire hilt, it will only be oiled so I can retain the red lac and stabilize its already very well preserved condition.
More to come...time permitting.

Gav