A gem-set gold dagger and scabbard, Mughal, circa 1700

the hilt composed of iron overlaid with gold and set with rubies, emeralds and turquoise in the kundan technique, with a curved watered steel blade, period chape decorated ensuite, the locket possibly a later replacement, set on a new scabbard, the lot includes the original wood scabbard covered in silk velvet, with customised stand

Formerly in the collection of Mr Robert H. Kenmore

Robert H. Kenmore, was a co-founder of the Kenton Corporation, a conglomerate that acquired Cartier, Georg Jensen, Valentino Couture, amongst others. In October 1969, Kenmore bid on behalf of Cartier at Parke-Bernet for a 69.42 carat diamond, which he purchased for $1,050,000 and which was subsequently sold to Elizabeth Taylor. He married in 1975 Ayse Lutfiye Manyas, granddaughter of the Turkish Ambassador to Sweden and Italy, Feridun Manyas, and great-granddaughter of Kazim Bey, Ambassador of the Ottoman Empire to the United States.

In overall good condition, some small patches of oxidisation to blade, hilt in good condition with some stones possibly later replaced, the chape of the period of the hilt though with some stones and parts of the gold sheet possibly later replaced, the locket possibly a later replacement, mounted on a replacement wood & velvet covered scabbard, accompanied by original wood scabbard with torn silk covering, 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."

Swords and daggers formed an important part of the Royal Mughal treasuries; and it is well-known that the Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627) regarded the craftsmen who fashioned his swords with the same esteem as his favourite artists. In his memoires, he records the feeling conveyed by a specific sword hilt: “Of all the gems of great price that are in the treasury I consider it the most precious. On Thursday I girded it auspiciously and with joy round my waist, and the masters who in their completion had exercised great skill and taken great pains were rewarded” (Krishnan and Kumar 1999, p.133). He goes on to mention the gifts which he consequently accorded the maker or ‘Ustad’ of this magnificent hilt, including “[…]an elephant, a dress of honour, and a golden bracelet for the wrist…” (ibid, p.133).

In shape and style, the present dagger resembles an example in the al-Sabah collection, Kuwait National Museum (Keene 2001, p.143, no.13.1). Both are designed with a hilt in the form of a split palmette, covered in colourful gemstones set in the kundan technique. Another related dagger is illustrated in Welch 1985, p.162, no.98 and is now in the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. The present dagger embodies the prestige accorded to such weapons and the message of power that these would have conveyed as presentation pieces.