This Ram-Dao is a sacrificial sword from Nepal or north India. It is meant to behead the sacrificed animal in one sword blow, and this is exactly how the blade is designed: Heavy, 18 inches long, with a 5 inches handle. The blade is engraved with English inscription "India" and some Hindu words and with some geometrical design all set with red paste. The famous guarding eye is engraved and inlaid with brass. The grip is turned wood. This form of Ramdao with he re-curving blade tip is the rarest of all forms of Ramdao swords. Total length 28 inches. Very good condition. 19C. This item is coming from the John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection acquired in 1936