A Rare Greek Kindjal, Dated 1868

A Rare Greek Kindjal
Dated 1868
With tapering double-edged blade (patches of pitting, extreme tip missing) with narrow central fuller over each side between etched and gilt running foliage, the forte on one side inscribed in Greek 'In Ayiassos 1868', waisted white-metal hilt chased overall with symmetrical foliate scrollwork against wrigglework grounds, the arched pommel with the arms of Greece on one side, and with a helmeted portrait bust on the other, probably of the Greek hero General Kolokotrones, in original wooden scabbard covered in brown leather with white-metal locket and chape, the latter engraved with a further portrait bust of Kolokotrones, the latter (damaged and repaired) engraved in wrigglework with a fouled anchor
40.3 cm. blade