- 280
An ivory-hilted sword (shamshir) with turquoise-set silver scabbard and belt fittings, probably Bukhara, dated 1275 AH/1858-9 AD
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- steel, marine ivory, niello, felt, turquoise
the curved single-edged steel blade with gold inscriptive cartouche on the forte and stamped, the hilt with marine-ivory grips and gold-overlaid decoration on pommel and cross-guard, the silver scabbard with nielloed foliate design and gilt floral highlights with incised details and inset coral borders to one side, the other side with engraved scale-motifs, with felt belt set with medallions decorated en-suite with niello and gilt details and turquoise
Condition
In good overall condition, minor break to tip of blade, some minor patches of oxidisation and light scratches, the hilt with some hairline cracks to marine ivory and oxidisation to cross-guard and mount at tip. Scabbard in good general condition, some rubbing to gilt details and light scratches, few minor turquoise-stones missing, the felt belt worn with some discoloration, many of the turquoise stones missing from the belt-fittings, 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
On one side of the blade: Qur’an, chapter LXI (al-Saff), part of verse 13.
In the cartouches, a Persian couplet:
'I have made the sword for war'
'During the time of …. Bahador Khan, the generous (?) (or Basakha as a name ?) 1275 AH/1858-9 AD’
On the other side, stamped, possibly:
‘amal-e ustad isma’il ….
‘Work of master Isma’il ….’
On one side of the blade: Qur’an, chapter LXI (al-Saff), part of verse 13.
In the cartouches, a Persian couplet:
'I have made the sword for war'
'During the time of …. Bahador Khan, the generous (?) (or Basakha as a name ?) 1275 AH/1858-9 AD’
On the other side, stamped, possibly:
‘amal-e ustad isma’il ….
‘Work of master Isma’il ….’