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Important Turkish Shamsir with scabbard of late 17th/early 18th…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
19-Mar-2016
Lot No.
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Description:
Important Turkish Shamsir with scabbard of late 17th/early 18th century date, and of Museum quality, 96 cm overall with 80 cm curved blade. The blade of superbly patterned watered steel and is curved in the Turkish style which requires the rear of the scabbard to have an opening at the top: inscribed with a cartouche bearing makers particulars and the date AH182, which is to be read as AH1082 (AD1671). The grip scales are of rhinoceros horn with correct silver brocade wrapping. The scabbard is of green velvet covered wood with gold damascened chape, locket, two suspension rings and inner seam covering. The tang cover and quillon block are en suite. The mounts have floral and geometric decoration and Islamic inscriptions (My faith is in God, So God wills it, etc.). The quillons with pierced flattened tips are more commonly found on Persian swords and tend to date from the early 18th century. Complete with it's green velvet covered suspension system which has two large embroidered bosses and terminates in embroidered olives, embroidered sword knot and embroidered strap to retain the sword in it's scabbard. The sword is illustrated in the major reference 'Islamic and Oriental arms and armour' by Robert Hales (plate 533). A good heavy fighting sword which hangs edge uppermost when suspended as is correct. Exceptionally complete.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified