This ‘Zafar Takieh’ (literally ‘the cushion of victory’) is a type of ceremonial sword used by Indian kings and princes as part of their formal dress when accepting formal audience or respected guests. The prince would seat in his cushion thrown with his hand rest on the hilt of the sword specially designed for it. This one is an 18th Century piece, made of steel elaborately inlaid with silver. The tips of the hilt are bronze shaped as monstrous heads very delicately engraved and set with red stone eyes and a green stone (A third eye?) in the middle of the forehead. The blade is of diamond cross section, narrow and long, attached to the hilt and screwed into the sword leg. Blade length 16 inch, Total length 21inch. Good condition considering its age. Part of the silver koftgary disappeared and the thread of the hilt is slightly worn. A really rare and beautiful piece with all parts original.