Lot 81
Central Asia, Turkey to Iran, Ottoman Empire, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. This is a stunning 90.5% to 91.9% silver sheath and a short sword known as a yataghan with a repurposed steel blade from a kard dagger. The kard is traditionally a single edged blade: a thick spine and tang that is the same width as the blade - covered with a bone grip creating flared ears or wings. The blade is engraved with a cartouche and illegible script within a square ricasso, decorated with a raised floral mount, and the spine of the blade and tang are etched with curvilinear and foliate motifs. The silver sheath is exquisite - starting from the tip is a curved serpent's head, the scaled body and spine travels partway up the length and the rest of the repousse surface has intricate foliage, birds, vases, and a man standing proudly one side, perhaps a mustachioed Ottoman soldier in a diagonally button coat and knee length boots. Size (blade): 10.5" L x 1" W (26.7 cm x 2.5 cm); (in sheath): 22" L x 2.25" W (55.9 cm x 5.7 cm); silver quality 90.5% to 91.9%; weight of sheath: 362.8 grams
The uncurved and shortened nature of this yataghan weapon suggests the blade was originally a kard, refitted to the yataghan hilt, as common practice, as these ornate sheaths and hilts were prized possessions that were refurbished and repaired as necessary. The yataghan was popular throughout the Ottoman empire- from India to the Balkans. The widespread use of these swords naturally means that the pieces were diverse and often modified.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#169283
- Condition: Silver rings on sheath are slightly loose, but secure. Sheath has age and use expected wear, dark patina and toning, intact and very good. Sword blade has pitting and surface abrasions. Stable pressure fissures throughout bone grip as shown. Staining and discoloration to the bone surface. Beautiful details throughout, and blade is still sharp.
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