Ottoman Empire Ceremonial or Parade Sword

Offered here is an extremely rare 17th century design Ottoman Empire sabre with a beautiful scabbard. The original 17th / 18th century Damascus steel blade was meticulously restored and expertly fitted with a decorative scabbard, handle and crossguard, using workmanship appropriate for this wonderful sword.

This piece is the highest quality ceremonial sword. Such a weapon would have belonged to someone from a select group of highly prominent nobles of the Ottoman Empire. As a symbol of power, high social status and wealth, such exquisite swords were worn only by greatest statesmen and military leaders during important occasions. Today very few such pieces survive and only a few exist in museums or elaborate private collections. This is a true one of a kind collector's item to be treasured for generations to come.

Hand-forged Damascus Steel Blade
The original 17th/18th century blade was hand-forged by metal-smith experts. It is made of hammered Damascus steel, lightly-curved and fullered with distinct yelman (back edge). Five narrow fullers at the guard temper down to three fullers at the tip. There are blacksmith's marks on the right forte, as seen on the pictures below however; no further information regarding the blacksmith is available. Overall, the blade is in good condition. The blade is 31 inches (78 cm) long and 1.7 inches (4.5 cm) broad. Some minor wear in form of black patina spots is present close to the tip of the blade.

Handle and Scabbard
The cross guard, handle and decorative scabbard have been meticulously and skillfully restored to highlight the beautifully balanced blade. The grip, cross guard and mounts are made out of intricately decorated gilded copper and studded with semi-precious stones. Twelve heliotrope plaques are engraved as an added design feature. The grip, mounts, and cross guard are set with one hundred and two (102) carnelians, four (4) agates and one (1) black jade at the top of the pommel. All metal parts are engraved with rich floral motifs. The wooden scabbard is covered with black leather and the mounts are kept in place using string under the leather to prevent sliding along the scabbard. All the restored pieces further enhance the blade and the whole piece comes to life, as only best materials and age-appropriate workmanship techniques were used.

Today, very few truly original pieces remain and they are scattered throughout the world out of reach for most collectors. This is a unique opportunity to add a truly magnificent piece to your collection, as this piece of art is worthy of its place amongst the best swords ever created.

Source: www.ebay.com/