Auctions Imperial 2018 Arms & Armor November
Lot 294:
Description
The sword of Tahmasp II, Shah of the Persian Empire (1704-1740) in 19th century Ottoman mounts, the grips and pommel late 19th-early 20th century Syrian work. The massive blade of early form, likely already an heirloom during Tahmasp’s time, with stepped spine near the forte, and large panels of elaborate gold vinework inlay at either side of the forte. Wrought of fine and unusual Persian black wootz, long, broad and single-edged with a shallow hollow to the center, the yelman expanding to form a substantial back edge. On the right side, a well-worn Arabic inscription reading, SULTAN BY THE GRACE OF GOD SHAH TAHMASB IN THE YEAR 1134 (1722,) retaining a small amount of gold inlay. In its leather-covered wooden scabbard with large engraved silver mounts en suite with the guard. Blade dated 1722, mounts comprehensively mid-19th-early 20th century. Shah Tahmasp II was the last true Safavid Shah. He was crowned during turbulent times, facing aggressive enemies on all fronts: Russians, Caucasians, Ottomans and Afghans. An experienced warrior, Tahmasp was initially supported by Nader Shah, with whose assistance he managed to reestablish Persian hegemony, at least tacitly, in a relatively short time. Ultimately, however, Nader Shah took power from Tahmasp and imprisoned him. He was put to death in 1740 with his sons, thus ending the Safavid Dynasty. We are grateful to Mr. Ahmad Jawad Salim for his kind assistance in interpreting the inscription. Overall length 94.5cm. Condition II
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