RARE**Victorian Indian North West Frontier Era Afghan Banochie Tribe Folding Lohar \'Crow Bill\' Sickle Fighting Knife / Axe With Etched Blade & Decorated Polished Bone Grip. Sn 22912 Other Blade

**RARE**Victorian Indian North West Frontier Era Afghan Banochie Tribe Folding Lohar 'Crow Bill' Sickle Fighting Knife / Axe With Etched Blade & Decorated Polished Bone Grip. Sn 22912 - 22912

The history of the Lohar is very obscure. They are rarely found outside Afghanistan. The Lohar is a pick-type weapon from the Banochie, a tribe in Afghanistan living near the Khyber Pass (see page 149 of Stones book ‘A Glossary Of Arms & Armour). Lohars were used with great effect against the British Cavalry units during the early Afghan wars. The word “Lohar” means “smith” or “metal smith”. This Lohar is in the Victorian era form. The Lohar is sometimes called a crow bill. Each man makes his own and has his own individual decoration patterns, although all are similar. This example has bone grips, 6” ‘crow bill' shaped blade with scalloped spine and etched decoration and measures 12 ½” overall when open. The grips and brass works are decorated overall in the distinctive Afghan style, with birdseye decoration. The birdseye talisman is the most prominent motif found on these weapons. The Lohar was made for fighting and replaced the sword among the Khyber tribes that used them. There are several variations of Lohar. This Lohar is a folding version and was intended for concealment. Despite its age the iron and brass folding mechanism works smoothly to open. The blade locking catch is present but does not lock the blade. Lohars were considered a prized status symbol within tribe families. The price for this rare attractive piece includes UK delivery. Sn 22912 (folding knives box near workbench)

£395.00