AUCTIONS IMPERIAL NOVEMBER 2019
Lot 260:
Description
An exceptional example, the Ottoman mounts comprising horn grips with rare pommel form, and engraved silver guard and tangband. The singular Persian blade wrought in Ottoman style, of fine, actively-grained black wootz showing much original finish, with an inlaid cartouche at the right forte inscribed, AL SULTAN MUHAMMAD SHAH MAHDI, with fine T-back and outlined central fuller, the robust tip with pronounced yelman with back edge paneled and chiseled with a split palmette, the spine elegantly ribbed. In its wooden scabbard with leather covering and characteristic Ottoman wire seam, and four silver mounts engraved en suite with the hilt. Second quarter of the 19th century. The blade probably presented to an Ottoman prince or courtier of high rank; it bears the name of Muhammad Shah, Ruler of Iran (r. 1834-1848.) Muhammad Shah broke with Shi’ite tradition by supporting the messianic Babist movement, a group which preached the immanent return of the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al- Mahdi (occulted 874 c.e.) The inscription, which includes the term Mahdi, suggests that the Shah considered himself the spiritual successor to the Twelfth Imam as well as his namesake. During the reign of Muhammad Shah’s son, Nasr al-Din Shah, Babism was bloodily repressed in Iran. It eventually evolved into the Baha’i faith. Minor wear, blade with minor rubbing and small areas of pitting. Overall length 95cm. Condition III
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