An Afghan Lohar Fighting Pick

5" blade. 12" x 6" when blade and hilt are extended. Single edge sickle ...

An Afghan Lohar Fighting Pick

5" blade. 12" x 6" when blade and hilt are extended. Single edge sickle style blade that folds into silver or nickel plated haft. Hilt is also folding and features punch dot decorated silver bolsters, ivory grip panels, and horn pommel.

The lohar is an Afghani weapon/tool that originated with the Bannuchi tribe near the Khyber Pass. Origins of the lohar are obscure and they typically come from Afghanistan only. Some experts say that they were fighting weapons used with great success against British cavalry during the early Afghan wars, while others argue that they were highly ineffective battle weapons that were most likely worn as a cultural indicator or an icepick tool for navigating icy mountain cliffs. They were often handmade by the men who carried them, and featured designs unique to their makers.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
About fair. Blade and haft show oxidation, losses to finish, and scratches overall. Hilt has discoloration and scratching to grip and pommel panels. Blade and haft releases do not lock correctly when blade is extended.