Lot 248
  • 248

An Ottoman jewelled presentation sword (kilij) with watered-steel blade and scabbard, Turkey, 18th/19th century

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • silver, steel, wood, gemstones, horn on hilt
the curved watered steel blade with flat back edge and gold-overlaid decoration at the forte and inscriptions within medallions on both faces of the blade, the horn hilt of pistol-grip form with carved leafy details at the head, with scroll-form silver quillons set with coloured gemstones, the silver scabbard chased and carved with foliate scrolls and decorated en suite to the hilt with jewel-encrusted mounts

Condition

In overall good condition, some very minor oxidisation to blade, the hilt with some hairline cracks in surface, some very minor ware on gemstones and setting consistent with age and use, gemstones include: amethyst, garnet, emerald, beryl, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and quartz, 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."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

tawakkaltu ‘ala allah
'I put my trust in God'

In the roundel:
nasr min allah wa fath qarib
'Help from God and near victory' (Qur’an 61 (al-Saff), part of verse 13).

A presentation sword of related form sold in these rooms, 5 October 2011, lot 325.