Mace

Cultureprobably Northern Indian

Datelate 1700s-early 1800s

Mediumsteel, silver and fabric

Dimensions82.6 cm (32 1/2 in.), 3 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.323

DescriptionTalwar-shaped hilt with wide flat crossguard extending upwards & tapering on 1 side to form knuckle guard. Grip swollen at mid-height & wrapped with braided fibrous cord. Wide bowl-shaped pommel with inset dome topped with rounded button. Reinforcing rib under crossguard tapers downward onto shaft ending in arrow-shaped langets. 4-sectioned circular shaft, each divided by a rounded swelling. Longest section of shaft has spiraled chiseling over its length. Section closest to head is slightly octagonal, topped with flanged pear-shaped head with 8 blades & turned urn-shaped finial.

Hilt decorated with silver inlaid motifs of 5-petaled flowers, foliation, & rows of dots long outside of knuckle guard.
ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on May 1, 1931 from W.O. Oldman (London, England). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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