Knife with Sheath, Ottoman. Between 1808 and 1839. Blade iron, forged; nephrite handle, cut, inlaid with gold and precious stones, agate pommel, wooden scabbard covered with velvet, silver fittings, engraved, gilt; 31.6 cm Blade length 21.3 cm Weight 93 g. Y 0125. Armoury. © Dresden State Art Collections 2013

The long, straight-edged blade cuts both at the top and has a T-shaped cross section. The round, slightly teardrop-shaped handle is cut from gray nephrite, while the pommel is in the form of a hemisphere of coral agate. In the nephrite a rich decor of leafy vines and flowers of gold and precious stones (amethyst, emerald and rock crystal) is inserted. The wooden scabbard has a circular cross section and is covered with red velvet. Locket and chape of fire-gilded silver are long and with branches, some of which are tied together with ribbons, engraved. This décor suggests a strong European influence, which is certainly to be regarded as characteristic of the reign of Sultan Mahmud II.