Hunting dagger
Name/Title
Hunting daggerEntry/Object ID
78; Full Code: 78.35.29-DG-IATags
DaggerDescription
This is a rare and intriguing Antique Dagger, distinguished by its hollow steel hilt with a functional hinged cap. This design, often found in late 19th-century Indo-Persian or European "hunting" daggers, was engineered to provide a secret compartment for carrying small essentials—such as a specialized prayer scroll, tinder for fire-starting, or even medicinal/poisonous powders. Core Components & Engineering The Blade: A robust, single-edged steel blade with a slight "belly," optimized for both utility tasks and defensive thrusting. It features a clean, utilitarian polish with a thickened spine, providing the structural mass needed for durability. The Secret Hilt: The entire handle is a seamless steel cylinder. The pommel cap is hinged, allowing the wielder to flip it open to access a hollow interior. In your professional "Process reliant" framework, this represents a clever integration of storage into a primary tool, maximizing the utility of the item's footprint. The Crossguard: A simple steel quillon with spherical terminals, designed to protect the hand while maintaining a streamlined profile that won't snag on clothing. The Scabbard: This specimen features a highly decorative scabbard, likely elevated for ceremonial or "Darbar" use. It is wrapped in red velvet and meticulously overwrapped with gold cord (Gota) in a tight, rhythmic spiral. This provides a striking visual contrast to the severe, functional steel of the dagger itself.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Unknown ArtisanDate made
1800Time Period
19th CenturyEthnography
Cultural Region
Region
North IndiaCulture/Tribe
Rajput, Mughal