An Important Curtain from the Tomb of the Prophet (Hujrat al-Qabr al-Nabawi al-Sharif) in Medina, Ottoman, with the Tughra of Sultan Mahmud (A.H. 1223-1255/A.D. 1808-1839)

of rectangular form, the black silk ground applied with red and pistachio silk panels embroidered with silver and silver-gilt metal threads with a central calligraphic mosque lamp framed by an arch with wreath and garlanded spandrels supported by twisted columns, enclosing wreaths and inscriptions with the tughra of Sultan Mahmud, further calligraphic cartouches above, scrolling palmette borders

Not rebacked
"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
On the top three bands:  Qur'an, surah al-Fatiha (I).

In the two cartouches above the arch:

amara bi-'amal hadha al-sitara al-sharifa huwa mawlana/al-sultan mahmud khan ibn 'abd al-hamid khan khallada allah khalafatuhu

'This noble cover was ordered to be made by him, who is our lord Sultan Mahmud Khan son of Sultan 'Abd al-Hamid Khan, may God make his caliphate eternal'

In the corner of the arch:  The shahada.

In the hanging lamp, in mirrored form:  'O The Opener [of all gates]!'

In the niche: Qur'an, surah al-Baqara (II), 255.

With the tughra of Sultan Mahmud (A.H. 1223-1255/A.D. 1808-1839)