- 166
An Ottoman sword (kilij) with ivory hilt and scabbard, Turkey, 18th century
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- steel
- 87cm.
lightly curved watered-steel blade and ivory hilt, the silver gilt quillons and scabbard mounts pierced, chased and engraved, designed with symbols of triumph, two suspension loops
Provenance
James Bowen (1751-1835) as originally indicated by a twentieth-century label stating: 'Presentation Sword, presented to Captain William H. Bowen R.N by M.M. King of Algiers for services rendered'.
Literature
R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime's Passion, 2013, p.223.
Condition
In general good condition, some faded, minor patination to blade, some rubbing to gilding on mounts of hilt and scabbard, minor wear to scabbard, 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
Although the original label states William, it is more probable that this sword was presented to his brother, James Bowen (1751-1835) by the Bey of Algiers. Originally from Devon, James worked on a number of ships in the African and West Indian trade. He commanded the 100-gun H.M.S. Queen Charlotte and soon after was appointed lieutenant on 23 June 1794. The year after he was promoted captain on the 74-gun H.M.S. Thunderer and later on 44-gun H.M.S. Argo where he sailed to Algiers and was able to procure the release of six British subjects held in captivity for fourteen years. This sword was offered to him by the Bey of Algiers along with two Arabian horses as a mark of friendship. James remained in service in the Navy until 1825, serving on its board from 1816 until retirement as a rear-admiral.