Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 82:
A fine representation of an early kilich sword, this is the classic fighting saber of the Ottoman Empire. Distinguished by a curved blade with a raised step along the later third ofthe blade, called a yelman, the kilich form was used by the Ottomans from the 15th century through to the late 19th century. Kilich are distinguished by the form of the blades, with earlier blades such as this example being of longer and more slender proportions and often made of wootz with a distinct style such as that found on this blade, with small linear lines, very different from the tight dots and whorls of Indian wootz blades.Rivkin (2018) discusses the evolution of these Turkish blades and notes that this form with the slender longer blade is more associated with dated and institutional examples of an earlierperiod, while the deeper curved blades with wider yelmans are likely later interpretations of the later 18th and 19th centuries. The blade of this sword displays a pleasing geometry with a fulllength wide fuller that morphs into a horizontal raised rib near the tip. This feature may be reflective of the influence of swords from Crimean Tatars which were used by Tatars in theemploy of the Ottoman armies during the 16th – 17th centuries, which is the period to when this blade can be dated.The mounts of this swords are of the Damascus armory type, with a silver damascened crossguard and Ottoman pistol grip, all likely mounted in the 19th century. Very rare example, 17th century blade of such form extremely seldom encountered for sale.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 38" Blade Length : 32 1/2" References:1. Elgood, R. (2009). The Arms of Greece. Thames and Hudson.2. Hales, R. (2013). A Lifetimeâ€â„¢s Passion: Islamic and Oriental A.rms and Armour, nos. 507and 5083. Rivkin, K., Isaac, B. (2018) A Study of the Eastern Sword. Independent PublisherDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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