A rare silver-mounted sword of Sultan Ali Dinar, Darfur, Sudan, dated 1316 and 1320 AH/1898-9 and 1902-03 AD

the double-edge blade of broad flattened form with a ridge at the forte, both sides incised with roundels featuring talismanic numbers and rectangular calligraphic cartouches with a palmette point, the broad cross-guard with square-section quillons flared at the ends and incised with calligraphy on the end panel, the silver-mounted cylindrical grip decorated with a raised lattice pattern and a pommel of disc form with incised geometric bands 

In overall good condition, minor abrasion and oxidation on blade consistent with age, loose hilt with minor surface scratches, small crack on grip near the pommel, 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."

A similar sword sold in these rooms, 18 October 2001, lot 163.

inscriptions

On one side:  Couplets in praise of the sword and the ruler and a prayer

On the other side:  The shahada; magic square and a magic roundel; a couplet and:

'al-Sultan 'Ali Dinar ibn al-Sultan Zakariya bin al-Sultan Muhammad al-Fadl ibn al-Sultan 'Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid, 1316 AH/1898-9 AD' followed by text in praise of the ruler and his ancestors.  There is also:  'It was transferred from you to his (sic) son 'Abd al-Qadir'.

At the end of one quillon:  'al-Sultan 'Ali Dinar ibn al-Sultan Zakariya 1320 AH/1902-03 AD'.  This is similar to the one in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection, except that it is in positive.

At the end of the other quillon, in tughra and in negative:  'Ali Dinar' suggested as a seal 'Ali Dinar may have used on his campaigns.

For his biography and his other swords (one is the same in both publication), see, D. Alexander, The Art of War, N. D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, vol.XXI, London, 1992, cat.no.144 and Howard Ricketts, Splendeur des Armes Orientales, 1988, pp.145, 151 and 204, nos.256 and 257.