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An Ottoman jewelled presentation sword (kilij) with Mughal jade hilt, scabbard with tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid I (r. 1774-89), Turkey and India, 18th century
Estimate
60,000 - 90,000 GBP
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Description
- steel, silver, jade, emerald, diamonds, silk and velved lined box
the fine curved watered steel blade with flat back-edge and double-sided point, chiselled with interlacing palmettes around the forte on both sides with a gold ground and ensuite gold-overlaid decoration on the blade, one side featuring a lobed cartouche containing an inscription, the silver cross-guard set with emeralds and diamonds on one side, carved and engraved with a detailed floral design on other side, with ensuite design on the silver scabbard, stamped with tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid I (r.1774-1789), the sword mounted with a black jade pistol-grip hilt also set with diamonds and emeralds, in a custom velvet and silk-lined case
Provenance
Max Dreger Collection, Rudloph Lepke Auction,Berlin, 2 December, 1925, Lot 62
Condition
In overall good condition, foiling to diamonds and emeralds, one replacement zircon, some scratches to jade and silver cross guard, the case worn as consistent with age and use, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
tawwakul 'ala allah
'Have trust in God'
Abdulhamid I, the twenty-seventh Sultan of the Ottoman dynasty reigned from 1774 to 1789. Although he was known for his peaceful and religious nature; one of his most important reforms was the reorganisation of the army by renovating the Janissaries, an elite infantry unit that formed the Ottoman Sultan’s household troops and bodyguards.
Whereas the form of this sword is typically Ottoman, it features a carved black jade grip of Mughal origin, which was later opulently set with diamonds and emeralds. The marriage of a Mughal hilt with an Ottoman blade is found on a number of ceremonial or presentation swords, including examples in the Türckische Cammer in Dresden and the Moscow Kremlin.
tawwakul 'ala allah
'Have trust in God'
Abdulhamid I, the twenty-seventh Sultan of the Ottoman dynasty reigned from 1774 to 1789. Although he was known for his peaceful and religious nature; one of his most important reforms was the reorganisation of the army by renovating the Janissaries, an elite infantry unit that formed the Ottoman Sultan’s household troops and bodyguards.
Whereas the form of this sword is typically Ottoman, it features a carved black jade grip of Mughal origin, which was later opulently set with diamonds and emeralds. The marriage of a Mughal hilt with an Ottoman blade is found on a number of ceremonial or presentation swords, including examples in the Türckische Cammer in Dresden and the Moscow Kremlin.