A TURQUOISE-SET SWORD (KILIJ) AND SCABBARD, FRANCE OR RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY |

the curved lightly watered steel blade with flat back, pricked details of old inscription, hilt and grips on scabbard set with an overall design of cut-turquoise in silver frames, the quillons with carved foliate details and cut-turquoise terminals, the band along the edge of the hilt and scabbard strap decorated in parcel gilt and niello with arabesque motifs on a punched ground, two suspension hooks to scabbard with carved details, with Asprey & Co. case

The blade with oxidisation and some erosion, particularly to tip, old repair to hilt with adhesive still visible near strap and quillons, some turquoise stones replaced with paste, 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 sword belongs to a rare and important group of swords, each characterised by their profuse use of cut-turquoise in combination with an elegant design of split palmettes or arabesques in gilt and niello that can be traced back to the same workshop with outlets both in Paris and St Petersburg. A similar example, with a Turkish blade with an inscription is illustrated in Hales 2013, pp.220-1.