Damascened steel, snake skin, gold inlay, gemstones
India, 18th/19th century
Gilt inscription to dagger blade
Sheathed dimensions (length x width x depth): 13 ½ x 1 ¼ x 2 in. (34.3 x 3.2 x 5.1 cm)
Dagger dimensions (length x width x depth): 12 x 1 ¼ x 2 ¼ in. (30.5 x 3.2 x 5.7 cm)
Concealed blade dimensions (length x width): 9 x ½ in. (22.9 x 1.3 cm)

This Indian ram’s head dagger with pierced damascened steel blade and inlaid gemstone eyes has a snake skin sheath and concealed blade. The dagger handle has a push button opening revealing an empty chamber. The knives have gold inlay decorated with animals and flowers

There is minor tarnish to the pierced dagger blade, rubbing to the gold and light scratches from use. Measurements are included in the cataloguing above.