AUCTIONS IMPERIAL MAY 2024 ARMS AND ARMOR
Lot 177:
Description
The hilt of characteristic form, with hooked and forked pommel, of engraved and nielloed silver the grip of fine, twisted silver wire, the robust heirloom blade with triple fullers etched with waved motifs. The leather-covered wooden scabbard with silver seam and large silver mounts engraved and nielloed en suite with the hilt, struck with Ottoman hallmarks. Latter 19th century. Minor wear, leather rubbed. Quite similar examples belonging to the Caucasian Collection of the State Historical Museum, Moscow, appears in E.G. Astvatsaturian, Weapons of the Caucasian Peoples, St. Petersburg, Atlant Publishers, 2004, passim. The Adighe-speaking peolpes of the Caucasus, known to us as Circassians, were driven out of their homes by Imperial Russian forces by 1864. Those who survived the trek to the Ottoman Empire joined their comrades in arms as crack cavalry troops in considerable numbers, distinguishing themselves in battle and receiving great praise from the Sublime Porte. Such fine sabers were made for them. Overall length 94 cm / 37". Condition II
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