A 19th Century Indo-Persian Fakir's Crutch with Stiletto Spike Blade

14" stiletto spike blade. 18.75" ...

A 19th Century Indo-Persian Fakir's Crutch with Stiletto Spike Blade

14" stiletto spike blade. 18.75" x 9" overall with hilt and haft. Fakir's crutch with a 15.25" steel haft that is etched with faint Arabesque floral and concentric patterns, possibly silver. Hilt is a steel horn with brass lioness head pommel that is being gripped by a brass fist. Hilt is attached to a chiseled four sided stiletto spike that is concealed within the haft.

Muslim and Indo-Persian fakir's are holy men/women who have denounced all worldly possessions and forms of indulgence, dedicating their lives to worshipping god and surviving only on alms. Known as a fakir's crutch, these short staffs were carried by fakir's as a self defense alternative since they were not allowed to carry weapons according to religious regulations. Fakir's crutches were typically maces but sometimes had concealed stiletto blades, like this item. They were usually carried under the arm or used as a crutch when sitting.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
About good. Haft etchings are faint. Finish is mottled overall due to scattered oxidation, pitting, and finish losses.