Turkish Kilij for translation.

[Sylektis]

Hi friends,
I would appreciate if someone could translate the inscription on this kilj.
Turkish silver-gilt with marks, Reign Of Mahmud II (1223-1255 A.H. Corresponding To 1808-39 A.D.) Your comments also are welcome.

[TVV]

While we are waiting for Zifir or someone else to translate the inscriptions, I just wanted to thank you for sharing this superb kilidj. The blade looks like it could be earlier than the fittings: have you tried etching a small window to test for wootz or a mechanical pattern?

Regards,
Teodor

[Sylektis]

have you tried etching a small window to test for wootz or a mechanical pattern?

Regards,
Teodor
No, Ι am afraid to do that. Furthermore already has sufficient corrosion thereon.

[Battara]

I agree that this is an early example. Also the hilt looks like it is made of rhino horn.

Nice kilij!

[spiral]

looks nice, a light etching would make sense to me... Just to see what it is made from... :shrug:

[Gavin Nugent]

I too would leave this as is without an acid etch.
To etch a window would detract from the current fine old appeal.

Such a sword would more benefit from a professional polish if you wished to know the metal type and view it as new again, but as it sits, it is not required, it is a fine old sword of good quality.

Gavin

[Rick]

Is that a scarf weld I see where the blade widens ?
Strange place for a scarf weld . :confused:

[David R]

More likely where someone has had a little go with an etchant to see if it is wootz!

[spiral]

More likely where someone has had a little go with an etchant to see if it is wootz!

Aint that the truth...LOL See...

linky. (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19820)

[Sylektis]

Aint that the truth...LOL See...

linky. (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19820)

Anyway, the seller did not describe it as wootz.
Sometimes when I look with a magnifying lens I see dark waves, but rather is what I would like to see... :o

[Sylektis]

The Wallace Collection, exhibit Νο 1993. (Αnd one last attempt to find a translator... :)

[ALEX]

The Wallace Collection, exhibit Νο 1993...

Was the workshop identified for the mentioned Wallace exhibit? If there are no marks, and seldomly they are on these examples, it can be any Ottoman workshop of that period. There were many. Your sword and Wallace's have many common features, and this is quite common design, so it could be the same shop or the next one down the road)

[Roland_M]

No, Ι am afraid to do that. Furthermore already has sufficient corrosion thereon.

This is a wise decision. I am sure, this blade is made from wootz. But the lightest kind of etching can destroy the decorations. A few months ago I killed golden remains on my german small sword, without direct contact to the etchant, just a few bubbles. My heart is still bleeding.
I would leave it as it is and only stop the corrosion.

This fantastic dream of a blade is too good for experiments.

Kind regards Roland

[ALEX]

I'd etch the blade. if done properly, it would not damage anything. but could reveal wootz pattern the way it was intended. Gold can be protected with light coat of nail polish and removed with acetone after the etch, but this is not even necessary if light etchant is used, just make sure to clean it carefully, and neutralize the acid with baking soda solution right after. Cleaning and etching gold-inlaid wootz blades was/is a common practice, when necessary, it just has to be done properly. I think this one would benefit from it.

[Sylektis]

I just wonder if there is one, after so long, to translate it.
Thank you all, anyway.

[mariusgmioc]

Beautiful blade and most likely wootz. A good magnifying glass and a trained eye can identify wootz even without etchingin most cases. Anyhow,I believe the blade could greatly benefit from etching. If properly done, there wiĺl be no danger for the damascening.

Looking forward for the translation. :)