Lot 126: AN INDIAN STEEL DHAL DEPICTS RANJIT SINGH WITH GURMUKHI INSCRIPTION, NORTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

 The circular steel shield, or dhal, is attributed to 19th-century North India, specifically the Punjab region. It features a centrally mounted brass medallion with an engraved scene depicting a bearded equestrian figure on a rearing horse. A Gurmukhi inscription located below the figure transcribes to Raja Ranjit Singh, identifying the subject as the founder of the Sikh Empire. The shield is designed with four raised, rounded steel bosses arranged symmetrically around the central plate. The reverse is fitted with two black leather handle straps secured with stitching. 

Diameter: 46.5cm