Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 238:
A fine representation of one of the distinct swords of the Ottoman Empire, this sword is most classically called a yataghan and is distinguished by the down swept curved blade and the eared handle. This example is of classic Ottoman Turkish manufacture, likely from the Balkan region, though these swords were known as far east as North Africa and the form found it’s way as far west as the Malay peninsula, though there it evolved and adapted itself to indigenous forms. The yataghan is one of the most distinctive Turkish swords and during the period of Ottoman conquest especially from the early 16th century to the late 18th century, the yatagan served as the sword of Janissaries Corp. The sultan also carried a similar sword to his Janissary corps into battle and which highlighted the integral link between the sultanate and the elite infantry. The Janissaries in particular were able as a result of their military prowess and societal standing accrete power such that by the 1830s the Ottoman Sultan was forced to disband them for fear for rebellion. Yataghan blades are often engraved or inlaid with motifs or inscriptions, the latter sometimes literary, such as a line of poetry or reference to an epic legend, sometimes religious in content, such as a verse from the Koran or a prayer, and sometimes words expressing the thoughts of the sword’s owner. There may also be the mark of the swordsmith, the declaration of God’s unity, and words identifying the ruler of the time and wishing him victorious. On this blade the makers mark is deeply impressed near the bottom of the inscriptions. This example in the Schmiedt Collection has a classic down swept blade and with gold decoration and inscriptions along the side of the blade. The inscriptions appear to be a classic sura from the Quran though difficult to decipher from the images. The hilt is a typical Balkan form and is also mounted with silver filigreed mounted inlaid with stones along the securing strip holding the blade to the handle. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 33 1/4" Blade Length : 23 3/4".Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.Comparable auction sale:https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25424/lot/14/References:1. Elgood, R. (2009). The Arms of Greece. Thames and Hudson.2. Hales, R. (2013). A Lifetimes Passion: Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour, 3. Rivkin, K., Isaac, B. (2018) A Study of the Eastern Sword. Independent Publisher. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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