othing is known about the patron or the maker of this hilt. The technique of damascening in silver is Indian, and known as bidri, from Bidar, the town in the Nizam's Dominions, which was the principal source for metalwork of this type. The surface of the metal is blackened by dipping it into a solution of sal ammoniac, salpetre, salt and blue vitriol. The required pattern is then inlaid with silver wire and the silver burnished to a bright polish. Traditional designs include stylised floral motifs and geometric patterns. Here, the unmistakable thistle motifs are very unusual, and suggest a Scottish patron. Eighteenth century Scottish associations with India extended far beyond their military presence, for example, the observations of Beatson and Buchanan, the antiquarian interests of Leyden, Mackenzie's quest for knowledge, and the images and experiences which were discribed to Sir Walter Scott and which reappeared in his Indian novels.

Elaborately decorated weapons were presented as diplomatic gifts and displayed as status symbols. At the ceremonies in 1792, Lord Cornwallis presented pistols to the hostages princes, and a jewelled dagger is displayed in the painting by the Scottish artist, James Wales of the Maratha ruler, Madhu Rao.