India – Large Sikh inscribed Wootz bladed Pesh Kabz Dagger – of huge proportions, with Ivory Hilt. The blade is constructed of a dark Wootz blade known as Khorasan. These represent the finest Persian Wootz available and were highly prized. The T-Back blade carries a Sikh inscription which translates as follows: “Sri Akaal Sahai” (with God’s help), Baba Phula Singh (name of the highly venerated Sikh Akali Warrior), 1823. Akali Phula Singh was a great warrior who served with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Please search his name on the internet for a detailed history of his achievements. As the leader of the Akali sect of Warrior Sikhs I am convinced that following his death the inscription is symbolic and a veneration by one of his followers. I would date this dagger at about mid-19th c. Probably a replacement scabbard at some point in time as this appears to be later given the end chape fitting and style and the fabric utilised.