AN EXTREMELY RARE OTTOMAN SABER SWORD

A very rare example of classic form and superior craftsmanship produced in the Ottoman Court Workshops. The fine walrus grips with peaked pommel retained by three engraved silver bosses on each side, with intricately-engraved gilded silver tangband. The elaborately-modeled guard of silver with quillons terminating in scallop shells, chiseled, engraved and gilded. The black leather-covered wooden scabbard with large gilded silver mounts decorated en suite with the hilt in fine embossed and chased early rococo motifs, the rings struck with hallmarks. The exceptionally broad, robust Persian black wootz blade with exceptionally intricate pattern, lightly curved, with radiused tip, and signed in a characteristic Safavid cartouche, WORK OF SAFAR BEY ISFAHANI together with an inscription at the spine in fine gold Nastaliq calligraphy from the Quran, the Surah of Victory, 48:2. Beginning of the 18th century. Very minor wear, gilding rubbed. Overall length 97.2 cm / 38 1/4". Condition II