Distinctive product of the ancient city of Benares. Brass or bronze, 11” diameter, domed with upturned edge and four domed bosses mounting the handgrip anchors to the reverse. The surface chiseled and enameled throughout with wild animals among the foliage. The center with a tiger. Black enameled foliate border. Reverse with its knuckle pad and handgrip mounts. These were reputed to have gold sovereigns sewn into the pad to ransom the warrior if captured and are often seen with the pad destroyed for that reason. From the armory of Sir Frank Bowden, Thame Park, Oxfordshire, England and showing traces of white paint spatter which we value as an indication of an earlier display at one of England’s great houses. Those houses were decorated with antique arms and armor and lit with candles which required that the ceilings be repainted frequently, usually, without removing the wall decorations. As well as being functional, these are eagerly sought for their stunning decorative value.
