knife

A Pesh-kabz, peshcubz, or peshquabz (Persian for foregrip), common to Persia and Northern India. Intended to force an opening in mail. One of a collection of three knives in wooden scabbards from Waziristan acquired by the donor in 1902. Hilt has long, plain steel ferrule; 2 grey-green bone grips held by 2 rivets, separate one bird-shaped pommel held by 2 rivets, 13mm metal projection from butt probably for a lanyard ring. Tang is grooved transversely to create an open dog-toothed decoration. Blade is straight T section with central ridge on back edge, wide at shoulder narrowing abruptly and then tapering regularly to a very slender point. Scabbard is wood, shaped at mouth to take wide blade shoulder, leather covered with decorated metal chape. Scabbard ends in milled circlet, dome (damaged) and stud ferrule.