Dagger hilt, pistol grip shaped, flower and leaf decoration in low relief, dark green nephrite jade, inset partially gilt silver studs, Mughal, 18th century

A dagger hilt of pistol grip form, fashioned in dark green nephrite jade and with a glassy polish. The decoration, carved in low relief, consists of a single blossom with leaves and buds on either side and with similar decoration on the pommel, all set with gilt silver rosettes at their centre. A leaf extends across the back of the pommel, along the top curve. There are two small scrolled quillons and there is a slot and a drill hole in the end for accommodating the blade.

Bequeathed by Mr and Mrs Ernest Schwaiger

Formerly a Schweiger loan. It was bequeathed by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Schwaiger.

Ernest Schwaiger was the son of Imre Leonard Schwaiger, the well-known dealer in gems and eastern works of art. Through his father's business association and personal friendship with the jeweller Jacques Cartier, Ernest worked for the firm of Cartier in Paris, eventually becoming a director.
He married the stage actress and singer, Adele Helena Dixon in August 1928 and together they built up a significant collection of eastern works of art including Mughal Empire and Chinese jades and other hardstone objects as well as Japanese netsukes, with a number of objects probably originally coming from Ernest's father. They remained a devoted couple until his death in 1976. Upon Adele's death in 1992, their collection was bequeathed to the Victoria & Albert Museum.

The dagger hilt was made within the Mughal empire in the 18th century. Although the nephrite jade hilt would have enhanced the appearance of the dagger, its weight would also have helped to counter-balance the steel blade. Although nephrite is a hard and durable material, one major disadvantage is that it could be liable to damage from sharp impacts.

IS.21-1997