Lot Essay
The tughra in conjunction with the Egyptian silver standard marks suggest that these swords were made under the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz (r.1277-93 AH 1861-76 AD).
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19TH CENTURY
Details
AN OTTOMAN KILIJ AND SHAMSHIR WITH MATCHING SILVER MOUNTS
19th Century
The first with curved blade of characterstic form, decorated with a panel of damascened scroll work along either side of the back edge towards the point, the forte richly damascened on both sides with invocations to God, 'O the Judge of the needs! O The sufficient One in matters of importance!', and incorporating a cartouche inscribed with bladesmith's spurious signature and the 'Lion and Sun' motif within a roundel on respective sides, and horn hilt with engraved silver-gilt guard stamped with a tughra and two Egyptian silver marks, in its original velvet-covered wooden scabbard with large silver locket and chape chased with floral designs, each struck with a tughra and Egyptian silver marks, and fitted with two rings for suspension; the second with plain single-edged curved blade, the hilt and scabbard en suite with the first (the velvet on both scabbards worn).
The first 30¾in (78cm) blade (2)
19
The first with curved blade of characterstic form, decorated with a panel of damascened scroll work along either side of the back edge towards the point, the forte richly damascened on both sides with invocations to God, 'O the Judge of the needs! O The sufficient One in matters of importance!', and incorporating a cartouche inscribed with bladesmith's spurious signature and the 'Lion and Sun' motif within a roundel on respective sides, and horn hilt with engraved silver-gilt guard stamped with a tughra and two Egyptian silver marks, in its original velvet-covered wooden scabbard with large silver locket and chape chased with floral designs, each struck with a tughra and Egyptian silver marks, and fitted with two rings for suspension; the second with plain single-edged curved blade, the hilt and scabbard en suite with the first (the velvet on both scabbards worn).
The first 30¾
Provenance
The swords were presented as a gift from the late King of Egypt, Pharouk (r.1936-52), to his Greek friend and co-ordinator of the Royal hunts on the Nile, Mr. Maratos.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.