#this sword is extra in the way only royal blades can be
Indian Shamshir Presented to King Edward VII by Pragmalji II Rao, Maharao of Cutch
A sword with a curved blade, and a solid gold enamelled hilt inlaid with diamonds arranged in a floral design. The pommel and ends of the cross-guard cast to resemble cheetah or leopard heads. The wooden scabbard encased in gold, worked in repousse and chased with designs of birds and flowers.
The enamelled hilt suggests that the sword was made in Bikaner or Jaipur, Rajasthan, two renowned centres in India for enamelling in red, blue and green. The blade also has a stamped mark usually associated with the Bikaner armoury. The scabbard was perhaps made by goldsmiths in Cutch, who produced vessels out of precious metals with similar ornamentation.
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Pragmalji II Rao, Maharao of Cutch.
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