Lot 159. An Indian sword with Firangi blade and scabbard, 17th-18th century; 107.5cm. Estimate 12,000 — 18,000 GBP. Lot Sold 35,000 GBP (40,054 EUR). Courtesy Sotheby's 2018.
the straight watered steel blade with a gilt parasol-shaped mark, the basket hilt decorated throughout with fine gilt interlacing scrolls, the later red velvet-covered scabbard with silver chape decorated with foliate designs.
Note: Inscriptions
Surah 61 (al-Saff), part of v.13, and the word Allah
'Help from God [and] a speedy victory, God'
The same parasol-shaped gilt impression is found on a Deccani sword in the Furusiyya Art Fundation (inv. no.R-708, B. Mohamed, The Arts of the Muslim Knight, Paris, 2008, p.89) and on a Mughal knife from the collection of Samuel Morse published in H. Ricketts, Splendeur des Armes Orientales, Paris, 1988, p.93, ill.149). A similar sword to the present example was sold in these rooms, 9 April 2008, lot 255.
Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 25 Apr 2018, 10:30 AM
