*19th Century Indian Bowie Knife and leather scabbard by Arnachellum of Salem*
One-piece staghorn grip, downturned slightly halfway along its length and capped with an irregularly shaped piece of steel. Diamond-shaped steel guard with button finials. Broad single edged blade formed with a swaged spear point – 23.3cm blade, 36.5 overall, stamped with the maker’s name “Arnachellum” of “Salem” on one face. Original brown leather-covered scabbard embossed with a crosshatch pattern with steel catch for the hilt.
Arnachellum of Salem was a famous English 19th century maker of knives, hunting spears, daggers and cutlery, living in India. Salem is a city in Tamil Nadu. Many of these knives were sold to the Confederate forces during the US. Civil War. The majority of pieces by him in European collections are high quality bowie knives, two are in the Royal Collection, accession numbers RCIN 38126 and RCIN 38127. Both were presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76.
“For the last thirty years Arnachellum, of Salem, has perhaps acquired the greatest and the most deserved reputation for the fine quality, as well as the finish, of his knives, hunting-spears, daggers, and table-cutlery. One point in which these have surpassed almost all similar steel-manufactures in Europe, has been their tough hardness, without being brittle; the hunting-knives and spear-heads being found to resist blows on granite without being chipped. Fine Indian tools and cutlery are not liable to rust, and if the surface does oxidise, it is to such a trifling depth that it can be easily removed by friction.” – Alexander Hunter, 1875
*Condition*
This is real collectors find and in excellent condition. The blade has some minor pitting and some nicks. The handle is in great condition with a lovely patina. The original scabbard shows some signs of wear and tear. but fits snugly. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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