A SIKH GEMSET GOLD-PLATED SHIELD

PUNJAB, DATED VIKRAM SAMVAT 1881/1824 AD

Details

A SIKH GEMSET GOLD-PLATED SHIELD
PUNJAB, DATED VIKRAM SAMVAT 1881/1824 AD
Of circular form and with domed profile, the four applied bosses set with red, colourless and green gems, a moon crescent above, an inscription in Gurmukhi within a cartouche around the rim, the reverse with original silver-embroidered beige velvet padding
17in. (43.2cm.) diam.

Lot Essay

For a gold-overlaid steel shield with similar padding dated 1830-1845, see Susan Stronge, The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms, London, 1999, p. 19, ill. 9.

The inscription around the rim reads '1881 [1824] Sri Akal Sahai Hari Singh'. The name Hari Singh probably relates to Hari Singh Nalwa (1791-1837), Commander-in-chief of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. 'Sri Akal Sahai' or 'God, our Help' was also inscribed on the official state seal during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (R. Bakshi, R. Pathak, Studies in Contemporary Indian History – Punjab Through the Ages, New Delhi, 2010, p.209).

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