AUCTIONS IMPERIAL MAY 2021
Lot 235:
Description
A classic form produced in Damascus, with hooked pommel of engraved silver and horn grips set with studs and wire wrap to base, the steel grip straps and guard well-inlaid with gold. The fine heirloom blade dating centuries earlier, broad, with moderate curvature, and wrought of Sham wootz, (Al-Sham being a medieval term for Damascus, where Crusaders first encountered the mysterious steel) and superbly true inlaid in fine gold with a circular cartouche reading, ALLAH! ALI! in Mamluk style, and a lengthy Qur’anic inscription likewise true-inlaid in gold. In its leather-covered wooden scabbard with steel mounts decorated in gold en suite with the hilt. Mid-19th century. Blade rubbed, losses to leather. Overall length 92.7cm. Condition III
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