This fascinating and distinctive variation of the Indian katar. When the upper crossbar is pulled downward, the upper "blade" opens down the center revealing an inner blade. This design is known as the jamadhar sehlikaneh meaning "three blades." The design may have been originally conceived as a variant of the katar for parrying, and the three blades were more effective at piercing chain mail armor. This likely 19th century example has a 7 inch long outer "blade" and 6 1/2 inch long inner blade. The blades are nicely patterned Damascus steel, and they and the hilt have floral koftgari decoration.

Fine with bright original gold and mostly smooth brown patina on the balance and some light oxidation inside the outer "blades."