An Ottoman tombak 'Alam finial, Turkey, 17th century

of copper gilt with a straight shaft with two bulbous mouldings, the upper openwork section of oval form with inscription surmounted by a palmette finial

Islamic Military Heritage, Nine centuries of Islamic arms and armour, The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, Cultural Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 1991

Islamic Military Heritage, Nine centuries of Islamic arms and armour, Riyadh, 1991, p.32, no.152, illustrated p.14 of the supplement

splitting to lower bulbous section, patination and abrasion, later joining plates to end of shaft and adjoining palmette finial, mounted on a wood base, 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."

This rare 'alam is comparable to two later standards in the National Museum, Copenhagen, one of which was taken from a Turkish Admiral in 1069 A.H./1658 A.D. by the famous Danish mercenary Cort Adler. Another similar 'alam was exhibited in Frankfurt in 1303 A.H./1885 A.D. and was embellished with horsehair. A fourth is preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum.