Very large Indian processional headsman's sword, or tegha

This monumental tegha (a processional version of the talwar type sword) is a superb piece of nineteenth-century Indian design. The sword features a large, broad blade etched in imitation of wootz steel, with a bright cutting edge and a double edge to the point of the flattened diamond section. The surface of the sword is profusely damascened, with gold inlaid into host of forms, including fleur-de-lys, eye-lash marks, and other foliate motifs. There are inscriptions in Devangari and Nasta’liq. The steel hilt is gold-damascened with borders of foliage, as is the grip. The handle terminates in a large disc-shaped pommel with a bud-shaped finial.

The blade is inscribed in Devangari 'Oum Rajpura', which is a city in Patiala, Punjab, and further inscribed in Nasta'liq 'Singhachi', which was probably the original owner's name.

The piece is a wonderful piece of nineteenth-century design, a beautiful antique arm, and a superb example of Indian steel working and damascening.