Auctions Imperial 2017 May Arms & Armor
Lot 421:
Description
A distinctive form produced in limited numbers in Kabul, struck with the Mazar-i-Sharif mark at the forte. Pale horn grips with recurved knucklebow, the langet with Afghan alphanumeric designation. Robust blade fullered, with substantial back-edge, showing areas of corrosion. In its leather-covered wooden scabbard with steel mounts. Late 19th-early20th century. Worn. Abdur Rahman Khan, Amir of Afghanistan (r. 1880-1901,) appointed British subject Thomas Salter Pyne Chief Engineer of Afghanistan in 1887, he served until 1899. Pyne was the first European to dwell in Afghanistan following the Second Afghan War (1879-81,) modernizing and standardizing the local manufacture of weapons and ammunition. He ultimately founded a royal arsenal and mint in Kabul; the Mazar-i-Sharif mark was likely devised by him as a symbol of the Afghan state, as it only appears on coinage minted in and after 1891 c.e. Overall length 78 cm. Condition III
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