Persian or Indo-Persian?

Gavin Nugent · 25th November 2007, 10:12 PM

Hi, can anyone establish what it is I have here. From what I can find it appears to be a late 1700's Persian horseman's axe, the haft is very unusual with the twists and octagonal sections joining the way they do in the middle. It appears to have Islamic script on the sides and hammer part of the head. The gold koftgari is still present on a number of surfaces. I would love to clean this up a little as I am sure from what I can see under the patina there may well be some wonderful steel work. Maybe the image of the three gods or prophets on the head can tell more about it....

thanks
Gavin

fernando · 25th November 2007, 11:25 PM

Sorry, experts, for my ignorance

.
Isn't this a Qajar axe, XIX century?
Gavin, i have sent you a PM

Battara · 27th November 2007, 01:07 AM

I'm with you Fernando, I think this is Qajar Persian from the looks of the figures.

Jim McDougall · 8th December 2007, 12:59 AM

While this axe does seem to correspond to Qajar ceremonial form examples, it also very much resembles crescent head axes of the Rajputs (Jaipur Rajasthan) of the 18th century. It is suggested that these were not widely favored for combat, and the features of this axe seem less elaborate than the earlier examples which had more formidable features such as spikes at the top or poll. The overall appearance seems to indicate probably 19th century and in examining the markings on the poll, they seem to correspond more to Sanskrit (Devanagari) characters.

I would submit this piece may more likely be a ceremonial item, probably from Rajasthan during the 19th century and quite probably reflecting influence of the earlier Rajput examples.

25th November 2007, 10:12 PM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Persian or Indo-Persian? Hi, can anyone establish what it is I have here. From what I can find it appears to be a late 1700's Persian horseman's axe, the haft is very unusual with the twists and octagonal sections joining the way they do in the middle. It appears to have Islamic script on the sides and hammer part of the head. The gold koftgari is still present on a number of surfaces. I would love to clean this up a little as I am sure from what I can see under the patina there may well be some wonderful steel work. Maybe the image of the three gods or prophets on the head can tell more about it.... thanks Gavin Attached Images

25th November 2007, 11:25 PM	#2
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	Sorry, experts, for my ignorance . Isn't this a Qajar axe, XIX century? Gavin, i have sent you a PM

27th November 2007, 01:07 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	I'm with you Fernando, I think this is Qajar Persian from the looks of the figures.

8th December 2007, 12:59 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,742	While this axe does seem to correspond to Qajar ceremonial form examples, it also very much resembles crescent head axes of the Rajputs (Jaipur Rajasthan) of the 18th century. It is suggested that these were not widely favored for combat, and the features of this axe seem less elaborate than the earlier examples which had more formidable features such as spikes at the top or poll. The overall appearance seems to indicate probably 19th century and in examining the markings on the poll, they seem to correspond more to Sanskrit (Devanagari) characters. I would submit this piece may more likely be a ceremonial item, probably from Rajasthan during the 19th century and quite probably reflecting influence of the earlier Rajput examples.