The variety of Indian blades produces from time to time some very odd items, like this one: A short, 20 inches slender re-curving blade, with pronounced T spine and 6 inches back edge. The blade is forged from very fine Indian wootz (Damascus) steel, also known as Crystalline , and which is characterized by a very delicate low contrast pattern, hardly recognizable to the naked eye. The base of the blade is chiseled and engraved with classical Indian hunting scenes. The steel handle shaped like a bird head is richly decorated with silver koftgari work . Very good condition. Some of the silver work on the handle is erased. No scabbard.