lightly curved watered-steel blade and ivory hilt, the silver gilt quillons and scabbard mounts pierced, chased and engraved, designed with symbols of triumph, two suspension loops.

Provenance: James Bowen (1751-1835) as originally indicated by a twentieth-century label stating: 'Presentation Sword, presented to Captain William H. Bowen R.N by M.M. King of Algiers for services rendered'.

Literature: R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime's Passion, 2013, p.223.

Note: lthough the original label states William, it is more probable that this sword was presented to his brother, James Bowen (1751-1835) by the Bey of Algiers. Originally from Devon, James worked on a number of ships in the African and West Indian trade. He commanded the 100-gun H.M.S. Queen Charlotte and soon after was appointed lieutenant on 23 June 1794. The year after he was promoted captain on the 74-gun H.M.S. Thunderer and later on 44-gun H.M.S. Argo where he sailed to Algiers and was able to procure the release of six British subjects held in captivity for fourteen years. This sword was offered to him by the Bey of Algiers along with two Arabian horses as a mark of friendship. James remained in service in the Navy until 1825, serving on its board from 1816 until retirement as a rear-admiral. 

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 25 Apr 2018, 10:30 AM