A GOLD DAMASCENED IRON CEREMONIAL HALBERD

Description:

North-India, ca. 18th c.
L. 71 cm
The slightly tapering cylindrical staff surmounted by an inserted blade wrought as a recumbent roaring tiger showing pricked ears, inlaid with gold stripes around two medallions to each side with dedicatory inscriptions, its claws nailed to a stylized antelope with a pair of horns, finely damascened with gold scrolling flowers around scalloped medallions to both side with each a dedicatory inscription and an iron hook set to the back of the tiger for attachment.
Old Berlin private collection, assembled before 1990
Minor damage, wear