AN OTTOMAN KALKAN BUCKLER SHIELD

A rare example of characteristic form, the body formed of cane in a tightly-wound spiral, lightly domed in profile, with each ring wrapped in colored thread. With applied studded steel boss and rim connected by wrought strips. 19th century or earlier. Worn overall, grips lacking. Diameter 29 cm. / 11 1/2" Popular in the Eastern Ottoman Empire where they were used aggressively in conjunction with the pala saber and hancer dagger. See last photo of an Armenian warrior from Sasun c. 1870 below (included for reference only, photo not included in this lot.) Condition III