129897_auctions-imperial-2018-arms-and-armor-november/
Lot 280:
Description
A superior example of Kubachi workmanship, mounted in deeply and intricately chiseled, engraved, nielloed and gilded silver. The hilt of classic form, the pommel a rare, fully-modeled shirmani leopard’s head inlaid with gold and connected by a silver gilt knuckle-chain to the crossguard, set on each side with panels of gold-inlaid shirmani at the ecusson. The fine, single-edged blade decorated with a Persian crest, with extensive calligraphic panels overall and short gold inscriptions, and the head of Shamil of Daghestan, a Kubachi hero. The velvet-covered scabbard mounted en suite with chiseled, engraved, nielloed and gilded locket, suspension bands and chape set with gold-inlaid shirmani panels en suite with the hilt. A letter found concealed in the lining of the case refers to its presentation by Tsar Nikolai II to General Nikolai N. Baratov in 1916, and its acquisition in Paris 1952 together with other pertinent details. Beginning of the 20th century. Wear and minor losses to shirmani inlays in suspension bands. Case as found. Overall length of sword 94.7cm. In 1915, General Baratov defeated the Ottomans under Abdul Kerim Pasha at Kara Kilise and also took Hamadan, Qum and Kermanshah in Persia. He received the Order of St. George, Fourth Degree in October, 1916. During the Russian Civil War, he fought in the White Army and in 1919 lost a leg on a diplomatic mission in Tiflis. He retired in exile to France in 1920, where he died in 1932. Condition III
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