Very Large Antique Islamic Indo-Persian Convex Shield. 42.5 cm in diameter

A Very Large Antique Islamic Indo-Persian Convex S. 42.5 cm in diameter.

It weighs 4 pound and 8.8 ounces. The shield is made of steel, with nice aged patina. It is domed with plain border. It has four brass bosses and cloth at backside.

The surface of the shield is engraved in an arabesque design, with an Arabic word at the center, surrounded by three concentric bands of Arabic script. At the center, the word Ya Allah (Oh God, [meaning I seek help from God]) is engraved. The first band surrounding this word contains the following words: Bismi allah al-rahman al-rahim huwa allah alladhi la ilaha illa huwa In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. He is God and there is no other god but Him.

Habib (Beloved), Qasim (Just Divider), Hadin (Guide), Ummi (Illiterate), Tayyib (Good), Akhir (The Last [Prophet]), Zahir (Manifest), al-Akhir (The Last One), al-wali (The Governor), al-Rahman (The Compassionate), Taha. These appellations usually applied to the Prophet Muhammad.

The third band is a repeat of the second band. Most likely from the early part of the nineteenth century. A very interesting and unusual piece. The item "Very Large Antique Islamic Indo-Persian Convex Shield. 42.5 cm in diameter" is in sale since Monday, January 18, 2016. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Middle East". The seller is "mbalwan" and is located in Belmont, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.