A cast brass dragon-headed finial ('Alam), Persia, Timurid, 15th century

composed of a central roundel, each side enclosing a circular medallion of interlocking squared-Kufic design reserved on remnants of textile backing, surmounted by palmette-shaped flanges housing an elongated double-edged blade, two indents near its tip, the base of the medallion mounted on the haft above a pair of curving arms with dragon-head terminals with copper inset eyes, the haft retaining a separate rounded ridge and with a band of raised chevron pattern, the base with protruding tang

Patination throughout. Some rubbing to the diagonally carved decoration on the handle. The circular medallion with some square Kufic inscriptions missing to both sides. The blade has some minor scratches throughout and some further scratches and dents at the clasp. Restoration to the handle at the base of the flanges. There are some minor cracks toward the dragon heads and one of the dragon heads has its horns missing. The dragon head carved details still intact, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

Possibly, four times:  ya 'ali   'O 'Ali!'

This is a rare survival of an early 'alam. Its strong, bold design reflects the predominantly militaristic function of the early 'alams, before use in a religious context developed in the later Safavid period. The introduction of the 'alams into Persia has been attributed to the Seljuks (Allan 2000, p.253). It would appear, from depictions in miniatures and rare textual references that the simple Seljuk tugh, or yak's tail, hanging from a spear was very quickly embellished with other elements. Significant amongst these are paired dragon's heads facing the spear point. Despite the association of dragon's heads with the art of the Timurids, this is an innovation that appears to have taken place before their rule (ibid., p.254). The depiction of Jamshid enthroned from the 'World History' of Rashid al-Din has an attendant figure holding an 'alam with these confronting dragon's heads (Talbot-Rice 1976, pp.48-9, plate 5).  A similar 'alam appears in a miniature from a Shahnameh of the second half of the fourteenth century (Ipsiroglu 1980, plate 20). This is a depiction of King Minuchihr killing a Turanian and has led to the suggestion that, at this point, the dragon's head 'alam may have been a royal emblem.

Similarly shaped 'alams are still appearing in miniatures of the late fifteenth century, suggesting that there is some degree of conservatism in the evolution of these militaristic emblems (Lentz and Lowry 1989, p.247, cat. no.137). However, from the middle of the fifteenth century, the form of 'alam with a pear-shaped centre, elaborate finial and dragon's head terminals facing outwards starts its rise to dominance (Allan 2000, p.255).