Ottoman kilij blade with ( Kufic) calligraphy, syrian presentation case ?

francantolin · 19th June 2019, 12:55 PM

So, the blade,
polished and etched a little.

Not that bad for a scrap tourist blade isn't it !?!!!

Can someone help for exact origin and age,
would be fair !

Kind regards

A.alnakkas · 19th June 2019, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francantolin

So, the blade,
polished and etched a little.

Not that bad for a scrap tourist blade isn't it !?!!!

Can someone help for exact origin and age,
would be fair !

Kind regards

Well done! could etch even better. Pattern looks Persian? I am no expert in identifying patterns but definitely well made. Inscriptions are odd. If you can send better photos I will try to read. Email them to me (check private messages)

ariel · 19th June 2019, 03:34 PM

Well , if similar blades are sold in Istanbul for $200 apiece, I am buying a ticket there and bring a thick wad of cash and a big trunk to fit as many of those fakes as I can find.
Our Turkish colleagues seem to have very high opinion of their compatriot bladesmiths’ skills and unjustifiably low opinion on their financial acumen:-))))))

A.alnakkas · 19th June 2019, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Well , if similar blades are sold in Istanbul for $200 apiece, I am buying a ticket there and bring a thick wad of cash and a big trunk to fit as many of those fakes as I can find.
Our Turkish colleagues seem to have very high opinion of their compatriot bladesmiths’ skills and unjustifiably low opinion on their financial acumen:-))))))

I understand and know the type of swords that are confused with this blade. Still, the declaration that this blade is "crap" was bewildering. Obviously this sword has been in the hands of a restorer who made the poorly fitted tang, but the gold work and the blade shape is not what the Syrians currently make.

Speaking of the gold work... looks to be good old work?

ariel · 19th June 2019, 10:13 PM

Yea, I know exactly the kind what you think. My guess , they are made in Syria and sold thru Turkey: mail service in Damascus over the past several years left much to be desired.

Lee · 20th June 2019, 02:46 AM

Just an aside, I bought a similar box devoid of the sword several years ago at the Brimfield flea market for $100. I attribute that box as Syrian and not more than a few decades old. The dealer said it had contained a 'very nice' sword that had been presented to someone who had worked in the Middle East and that she had sold the sword for 'good money' previously (not at the same flea market.) It seemed a shame to me that for that valuation of the box that it was not kept with the sword, but, then again, it fits my old Saudi saif perfectly. I'll never know if my sword was an upgrade or downgrade...

francantolin · 20th June 2019, 08:11 AM

Hello and thank you all,

I thought too about a gift box for diplomats or business men working in middle east.

The friend who bought this ''presentation'' box with the blade told me it was sold as a lot in an auction: sold with an old wood Koran stand ( egyptian or syrian he thinks).

He collects antiques-oriental furnitures and paintings,
edged weapons are not really his interest...
So I bought it...

ALEX · 20th June 2019, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francantolin

So, the blade,
polished and etched a little.

Not that bad for a scrap tourist blade isn't it !?!!!

Can someone help for exact origin and age,
would be fair !

Kind regards

Not bad at all !!! Good job etching!
I was also surprised by some negative comments on this blade. It is not to be confused with modern blades from Istanbul, other markets and on-line, it is nothing like. It is of crucible steel, the writing is unusual but in true inlay and of good quality, the box is also fine. The blade looks to be 19thC, probably Persian or Syrian (I'd say Syrian, as the box is Syrian, as other items it came with). Can be restored nicely by adding proper crossguard and hilt.

19th June 2019, 12:55 PM	#1
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 922	So, the blade, polished and etched a little. Not that bad for a scrap tourist blade isn't it !?!!! Can someone help for exact origin and age, would be fair ! Kind regards Attached Images

19th June 2019, 03:34 PM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Well , if similar blades are sold in Istanbul for $200 apiece, I am buying a ticket there and bring a thick wad of cash and a big trunk to fit as many of those fakes as I can find. Our Turkish colleagues seem to have very high opinion of their compatriot bladesmiths’ skills and unjustifiably low opinion on their financial acumen:-))))))

19th June 2019, 10:13 PM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Yea, I know exactly the kind what you think. My guess , they are made in Syria and sold thru Turkey: mail service in Damascus over the past several years left much to be desired.

20th June 2019, 02:46 AM	#6
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 967	Just an aside, I bought a similar box devoid of the sword several years ago at the Brimfield flea market for $100. I attribute that box as Syrian and not more than a few decades old. The dealer said it had contained a 'very nice' sword that had been presented to someone who had worked in the Middle East and that she had sold the sword for 'good money' previously (not at the same flea market.) It seemed a shame to me that for that valuation of the box that it was not kept with the sword, but, then again, it fits my old Saudi saif perfectly. I'll never know if my sword was an upgrade or downgrade...

20th June 2019, 08:11 AM	#7
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 922	Hello and thank you all, I thought too about a gift box for diplomats or business men working in middle east. The friend who bought this ''presentation'' box with the blade told me it was sold as a lot in an auction: sold with an old wood Koran stand ( egyptian or syrian he thinks). He collects antiques-oriental furnitures and paintings, edged weapons are not really his interest... So I bought it...