A Mughal Jade-Hilted Sword With Gilt-Mounted Scabbard, India, 17th century and later

the slender and slightly curved blade of watered-steel with gold inlaid inscriptions in lobed cartouches and a talismanic square at the forte, the light-green jade hilt with rounded pommel carved with stylised floral motifs and copper quillons engraved with fine floral pattern, the cloth-covered wood scabbard with engraved copper ensuite chape and lock, with one suspension loop

By Repute, The Nizam of Hyderabad

 

Overall in very good condition. the blade has some abrasions and patination due to age. the jade hilt has some discolouring. the fabric of the scabbard is worn. there are remnants of a gallery label from the previous collection (no. 83), 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."

This and the following sword are from a rare group of jade-hilted swords, only a few recorded examples exist including an early seventeenth-century talwar from a private Danish collection published in Copenhagen 1982, p.190 no.154 and an early eighteenth-century jewelled and gold inlaid jade-hilted sword that also by repute comes from the Hyderabad Treasury, (illustrated in Ricketts and Missillier 1988, p.102, no.167). The form of the hilt with the typical rounded pommel and carved floral decoration is more commonly associated with contemporary jade-hilted daggers. The only other recorded sword with a jade pistol-hilt is the sword presented to General Claude Martin in 1786 by the Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, now in the Heeramaneck Collection (ibid. p. 133, no. 221).