AUCTIONS IMPERIAL DECEMBER 2020
Lot 219:
Description
An exceptional and quite complete example of a very rare type. The persiform hilt with engraved and filigreed silver tangbands and gilt bosses to either side of the polished horn grips with silver wire wrap to base, the characteristic silver pommel cap lightly arched, embossed and engraved, and filigreed and retaining its large, distinctive lanyard ring. With wootz guard. The massive, heirloom blade curved and wrought of fine, complex wootz with a broad central fuller and distinct raised yelman, with an inlaid cartouche at the right forte which reads, MUHAMMAD YUSUF MISRI. In its black shagreen-covered scabbard with fine silver mounts embossed and engraved en suite with the hilt, and retaining its rare baldric composed of embroidered leather and mounted with a massive, engraved silver buckle. Mid-18th century. Light wear, small section of leather likely a period replacement. Overall length 94cm. L.A. Meyer, Islamic Armourers and Their Works, 1962, Geneva: Albert Kundig, p. 62, lists two swords made by a smith of this name, the first in the Tsarskoe Selo Palace Collection, St. Petersburg, and another in the private collection of a Polish general. Condition II
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