A jade-hilted dagger with gold-inlaid inscribed blade and diamond-set silver scabbard. Ottoman Turkey, circa 18th century

The watered steel blade with a double band of inscription on either side, floral interlace on the forte, the spinach jade hilt carved with irises and with an appliqué rose-diamond rosette; the silver scabbard decorated with floral sprigs and strapwork, mounted with two elaborate medallions set with rose-diamonds, stamped with an incomplete tughra, chain and toggle attached.

Provenance : Warren Anderson collection, Australia Sold, Butterfield & Butterfield, San Francisco, 14 July 1992, lot 1409 Private collection, U.S.A., 1992-2009

Published : Butterfield & Butterfield, The Warren Anderson Collection of Premier American & European Firearms – Part II, San Francisco, 14 July 1992, lot 1409 (illustrated in colour)

Inscriptions: The inscriptions include two couplets in Turkish and the Arabic: ‘There is no youth [as brave as] ‘Ali, no sword [as sharp as] dhi’l-faqar’

Oliver Forge - Brendan Lynch. London. Email: brendan@forgelynch.com (all text & images © Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch Ltd.)