A complete Pesh Kabz from the Christensen Collection.
This example is of a fine and complete Pesh Kabz. The hilt is in the traditional ‘ear’ style, which provides a great clasp. The hilt is formed of two slabs of ivory (possibly elephant), which are tightly held together with five bolsters made of brass. The entire tang is wrapped with gold damascened work in the form of flowers and foliage. There is some natural wear and loss to the gold due to the age, but it remains approximately 50% intact. In this case, the slight wear actually enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Pesh Kabz as it shows its age. Attached to the top of the hilt is a ‘button’ type steel, which often had langets or tassels, attached to them.
The blade is conventionally curved and is of watered wootz steel. In this case, the blade has undergone a polish to reveal a crystal, mirror like finish to the steel. At the forte of the blade is an inventory marking stating ‘0.48’ which would have been a catalogue or classification from the Christensen Collection. The armour-piercing tip is thick and swollen, which would allow real functional capabilities for this dagger (for a Pesh Kabz with a similar type of build, see the Met Museum Accession Number 36.25.715a,b).
Scabbards are often hard find with daggers. Our example comes with its original wooden scabbard that features a period matching fabric wrapping and original chape. The fabric is printed with a gold floral design and seamlessly blends with the white ivory slabs and gold work on the tang.
Overall a fine Pesh Kabz with a nice scabbard, which comes with great provenance.