- 261
An Inscribed Sword from the Royal Mughal Arsenal, India, 18th/19th Century
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
straight watered steel blade with gold-inlaid inscription and parasol motif, the hilt with baluster grip and flattened bulbous pommel with arched top, decorated with inlaid vase and flower motifs in silver, copper and brass, the chape decorated ensuite mounted on purple velvet-covered wood scabbard stitched with silver-gilt thread with gilt copper fitting
Condition
Patches of fraying braid to the 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
inscriptions
On the blade, possibly:
be-barq-e ajall
'By the sword of death'
Parasol motifs of the kind found on this sword's blade are reminiscent of similar emblems related to the Mughal Dynasty and particularly the reign of Shah Jahan (1592-1666). An ancient pan-Asian symbol of divinity or royalty, the parasol can be seen in various portraits of Shah Jahan (see Welch et al., (eds.), 1987, p.208, and Beach and Koch, (eds.), 1997, pp.25-7). The prototype for the motif can be found on a sword reserved for Shah Jahan's personal use, sold in these rooms, 24 October 2007, lot 246. The inlay work is highly unusual for a sword hilt and compares with bidriwork of the period. A related dagger is to be found in Mohamed, 2007, p.210, no.201.