An Ottoman ivory-hilted yataghan sword and scabbard, Turkey, circa 1825

the slightly curved steel blade decorated with overlaid gold cartouched inscriptions and foliate scrolls to forte and hilt, faceted walrus ivory grip-shells secured by brass pins, velvet-covered wood scabbard with silver mounts chiselled and chased with scrolling vegetation and flowers

minor losses and pitting and patination to lower section of blade, cracks and discolouration to ivory facings consistent with age, areas of rubbing to overlaid gold decoration of hilt, small dents and patination to silver scabbard mounts
"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

Two couplets (in Ottoman Turkish):

ey gönül bir can içün bir hana minnet eyleme
Izzet-i dünya içün sultana minnet eyleme

O soul! Do not bow to the ruler for your life
Do not bow to the sultan for his world

yataganim kil mübarek ömrümü eyle mezid
Feth u nusret kil muyesser vaktimi feyz-i medid

May my yataghan be blessed, may my life be long,
May conquest and victory be mine, may my time be in continuous prosperity

The above inscription is rare and interesting in light of its non-conformist nature. It contains clear undercurrents of revolutionary fervour and encourages rebellion against authority - revealing for a sword carried by a member of the Janissary guard on the eve of the uprising and subsequent disbanding of the Janissary corps. The forced disbandment of the centuries-old Janissary corps by Ottoman sultan Mahmud II took place in 1826.