During the Dutch revolt "Liever Turks dan Paaps" indicated that a cruel life under an Ottoman Sultan would have been preferred over a life under Catholic Spain. This was meant to be sarcastic, there was no war between the Turks and the Dutch.
as stated in post 1 the style, execution and materials (ivory) indicate a possible Dutch production of above cutlass, suitable for naval use.
Then why this image, where a Turkish sultan is being attacked by lions.
After years of naval battles at Azov, it might be appropriate for a Russian high rank soldier. This assignment is of course a personal assumption, but is reinforced by the very russian-looking motif on the pommel plate.
furthermore, the sword has been taken apart very recently, probably to clean and remove free play.
no further conclusion can be drawn from this. as I can see, all parts belong together.
best,
Jasper
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