A fine and rare Mughal carved white jade dagger hilt, India, 17th century, with ottoman blade and gem-set scabbard, Turkey, dated 1209 AH-1794-5 AD.  Photo Sotheby's

the hilt of rare white jade carved in pistol-grip form with floral motifs across the rounded pommel and quillons, the slightly-curved water-steel blade with gold floral decoration and inscriptions, the silver scabbard inlaid with gemstones along the rim set in a floral design with a scale pattern terminating with a stylised dragon head; 42cm. ESTIMATION 30,000-40,000 GBP. Lot vendu: 37,250 GBP 

NOTE DE CATALOGUE:  With a couplet in Turkish on the blade (not all deciphered), an invocation to the Prophet Muhammad to intercede on the owner's behalf, and the name "Ibrahim", possibly the owner's. Followed by an inscription recording date and maker: sana 1209 (?) amal 'abbas ma sha' allah
"Year 1209 (?) [1209 AH/1794-5 AD] the work of 'Abbas, what God wills

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World. Londres | 25 avr. 2012 www.sothebys.com