Help identify this Turkish Sword with French writings
 

Please see pictures. Any ideas of time, rarity?

The French inscription translates to

"Music Bazaar"
"Istanbul-Galata"

Galata is a district in Istanbul that lies on the Golden Horn directly across from old Constantinople. Historically it was home to the Venetians during the Byzantine Empire. During the late stages of the Byzantine Empire, a massive chain stretched from Constantinople to Galata across the harbor entrance that blocked unwanted intruders. Potential invaders had to go around the blockade if they wanted to attack the city from the north, or approach from the south or inland.

Sorry, can't help with the period of the sword.

Ian

Thank you for the insight. Do you at least know what type of sword is this? Who would carry this kind of sword?

Your sword may be related to the police / security of that particular district. Here is a quote from "Crime and Punishment in Istanbul: 1700-1800" by Fariba Zarinebaf, 2011. On page 24 there is an interesting chapter, "The European Hub:Galata"

http://books.google.com/books?id=eq-...galata&f=false

The music market in Galata is still there; lots of shops selling musical instruments around Tunel district of Galata. This sword is probably bought from a shop around that area. French engraving is not uncommon for that era and neighborhood; most shopowners in late 19 to early 20th century were Levanten(ottomans of italian or french origin), Jewish, Greek and Armenians. Haliç (Golden Horn) was the center for the Ottoman Navy and Tunel and Galata neighborhoods were shopping and socializing area for Ottoman naval officers. This is most probably a custom made non-regualtion ottoman naval officer dress saber late 19th to early 20th centuries.