[Kristin B]

I have inherited a couple ancient Indian weapons. From what I have gathered so far through research the first is a 16 or 17th century sword that seems to be from Malabar India as well as an ancient Indian katar dagger with a full hand shield. I really have no experience with the handling of any like items and would love more info in identifying and appraising the items that I own. I do not know who or where I would begin to obtain this information, could you help me or could you direct me to somebody that may be able to? My ultimate wish is more than likely going to be to sell them to someone whom has a greater respect and fulfillment of possessing these items but again I'm not sure if taking to an auction, online sale, or seeking a buyer such as a museum or other historical collection venue would be the direction more appropriate for these items. I am positive they are authenticate weapons of India history and that they are not copies or replicas. What I am unsure of is should they be sold exactly as is, or is it recommended to do some sort of a cleaning on them? While I have identified them to India as a sword of some sort that came from Malabar and a Katar Dagger that holds rarity due to the full hand shield handle I do not know exactly what era they came from, the exact sword type and usage, if or what the markings and decor mean or symbolize, whom they may have belonged to, and what condition they would be considered to be in or what value they hold monetarily. Attached are some pictures and I can definetly send more if that would help in gathering the information I desire. Why I feel as though I am in way over my head with what seem to be 2 very special and possibly unique weapons of ancient history, any information or referrals you are able to forward me would be greatly appreciated as of all the research I have gathered thus far has many variations that are widespread and I think I may be way in over my head

Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you Very soon,KRISTIN L BENSON


Sent from my iPad

[Chad Arnow]

Kristin,
Hello and welcome to myArmoury.com. You had originally replied to an unrelated topic thread, so I made yours into its own topic to help it get responses. There are plenty of people here who could help.

If you could post some pictures, that will aid folks in identifying/evaluating, etc.

[Mark Moore]

Kristin....if possible, you need to post some very detailed photos. Make sure you get any markings on the blades. It sounds like you have some unique pieces, and I'm sure you will have no problem having them appraised and sold right here on the Armoury. Glad to have you as a member.......Stay a while....WARNING: You might get addicted. .....McM

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Kristin,
The first and most important thing is that you do NOT attempt to clean these items in any way, if you must a wipe with a dry lint free cloth is all that you need do. Indian weapons vary greatly from the sublime to the downright ordinary and age is not the only deciding factor regarding value although it does obviously have an influence therefore, as already stated, detailed photographs are a must. Depending on the content of the photographs I can, if you want by Private Message, point you in the direction of several commercial avenues that you can pursue with regard to a sale. There are also many private collectors, I am one, who may be interested but I would suggest an independent inspection and valuation (possibly by one of the bigger recognised and specialist auction houses, I can make recommendations if you desire) be sought before you agree to any price or condition of sale.
Regards,
Norman.

[Kristin B]

I have been looking and trying to find somewhere I can take these two pieces to be seen but haven't had any luck, maybe I am looking in the wrong direction. Any recommendation s and advice would be awesome.

[Nathan Robinson]

The people here can likely help you, but as has been mentioned, we'd need to see photos. I've emailed you a link to our Photo Attachment Guide to help you with this.