- 235
A RARE AND MAGNIFICENT PRESENTATION SWORD WITH DIAMOND-SET GOLD HILT AND SCABBARD MADE FOR THE OCCASION OF THE SILVER JUBILEE OF OSMAN ALI KHAN, ASAF JAH, THE SEVENTH NIZAM OF HYDERABAD, “THE RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD”, INDIA, DATED 1355 AH/1937 AD
Estimate
80,000 - 100,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- stainless steel, gold and precious stones
the curving polished-steel blade (probably seventeenth-century), double-edged towards the point, with flat back edge and two grooves, with gold inscription on both sides towards the forte, the gold hilt with twirling-leaf design set with finely-cut diamonds throughout, the cross-guard with a central crown-shaped motif of set emeralds, the scrolling knuckle-guard with bud-form finial, the bossed pommel with attached tassel in gold and polychrome threads embellished with pearls and precious stones, the wooden scabbard bound with yellow velvet and ornamented with gilt-metal elements depicting stylised tulips and rosettes, with diamond-set chape, with fitted case
Condition
In good condition, with minor losses to the decorative elements on the scabbard, and minor losses to the threads, 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
The inscriptions are in Urdu, as follows: For the approaching of the Blessed Jubilee (sic) followed by the date and then positions of the court officials. It is dated dhu'l-hajjah 1355 (February-March 1937).
Presented as a gift from various officials made for the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Barakat 'Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad in 1937.
On this year which marked his Silver Jubilee, Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad was featured on the front cover of Time magazine as the richest man in the world. His rule lasted from 1911 to 1948 when the Princely State became part of India. As well as owning an outstanding collection of Islamic Art, including Mughal and Deccani miniatures and illuminated Qur'ans, his personal fortune was estimated, in contemporary terms, to have been at least £100m in gold and silver bullion and £400m in jewels. He was regarded by the British as first among the Princes of India partly due to this fortune. This magnificent sword bears testimony to his taste for refined and luxurious pieces.
The inscriptions are in Urdu, as follows: For the approaching of the Blessed Jubilee (sic) followed by the date and then positions of the court officials. It is dated dhu'l-hajjah 1355 (February-March 1937).
Presented as a gift from various officials made for the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Barakat 'Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad in 1937.
On this year which marked his Silver Jubilee, Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad was featured on the front cover of Time magazine as the richest man in the world. His rule lasted from 1911 to 1948 when the Princely State became part of India. As well as owning an outstanding collection of Islamic Art, including Mughal and Deccani miniatures and illuminated Qur'ans, his personal fortune was estimated, in contemporary terms, to have been at least £100m in gold and silver bullion and £400m in jewels. He was regarded by the British as first among the Princes of India partly due to this fortune. This magnificent sword bears testimony to his taste for refined and luxurious pieces.