- 235
A sword (shamshir) with marine-ivory grips and enamel mounts with leather scabbard, probably Lucknow, late 18th/early 19th century
Estimate
18,000 - 22,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Indian Shamshir with Marine Ivory Grips and Enamelled Silver Mounts with Leather Scabbard
- Marine-ivory grips and enamel mounts with leather scabbard
the hilt with marine-ivory grips and enamelled silver mounts featuring animals in a vegetal ground, one side in black enamel, the other in polychrome enamelwork, the pommel and cross-guard terminals in the form of a ram and lamb-heads, with a watered steel blade with inscriptive medallion, the scabbard with gilded leather shrunk over a string-work pattern featuring mounts with en-suite black and polychrome enamel decoration
Condition
In generally good condition, the cross-guard slightly loose, some minor sections of enamel missing, most of gilding on leather scabbard missing, the steel blade with some minor stains and oxidisation, 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
sarkar-e navvab amir khan bahadur
‘His Honour Nawwab Amir Khan Bahadur’
This inscription most probably refers to Amir al-Dawlah, Amir al-Mulk, Nawab Muhammad Amir Khan Sahib Bahadur, Shamshir Jang, Nawab of Tonk. Entering into a treaty with the British on 15 November 1817, he disbanded his armies and concessioned the fort and pargana of Rampura (Aligarh) in exchange for a large stipend and recognition as hereditary ruler of Tonk.
In the square, the talismanic letters B D U H (beduh), for its magical qualities.
On the sheath: ‘God, Muhammad, ‘Ali’
The combination on this sword of polychrome enamelwork with black enamelwork designs is extremely rare. Playing off of the playful and colourful enamework adorning the mounts on one side of the cross-guard and scabbard, the intentional grey-scaling of these designs on the other side presents a real innovative touch by the artist.
Whereas two similar shamshirs are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession. no. 36.25.1302a, b. and 36.25.1304a, b., they do not feature this contrast. Another similar shamshir, with finely decorated enamel work and a characteristic scabbard covered with gilded leather shrunk over a string-work pattern, is illustrated in R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour, 2014, p.166, no.406.
sarkar-e navvab amir khan bahadur
‘His Honour Nawwab Amir Khan Bahadur’
This inscription most probably refers to Amir al-Dawlah, Amir al-Mulk, Nawab Muhammad Amir Khan Sahib Bahadur, Shamshir Jang, Nawab of Tonk. Entering into a treaty with the British on 15 November 1817, he disbanded his armies and concessioned the fort and pargana of Rampura (Aligarh) in exchange for a large stipend and recognition as hereditary ruler of Tonk.
In the square, the talismanic letters B D U H (beduh), for its magical qualities.
On the sheath: ‘God, Muhammad, ‘Ali’
The combination on this sword of polychrome enamelwork with black enamelwork designs is extremely rare. Playing off of the playful and colourful enamework adorning the mounts on one side of the cross-guard and scabbard, the intentional grey-scaling of these designs on the other side presents a real innovative touch by the artist.
Whereas two similar shamshirs are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession. no. 36.25.1302a, b. and 36.25.1304a, b., they do not feature this contrast. Another similar shamshir, with finely decorated enamel work and a characteristic scabbard covered with gilded leather shrunk over a string-work pattern, is illustrated in R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour, 2014, p.166, no.406.