Ceremonial Saber

Date1700s

MediumSteel, bronze, and gold

Dimensions67.3 × 54.6 cm (26 1/2 × 21 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 9 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.25

Description67.3 × 11.4 × 3.2 cm (26 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 1 1/4 in.)

Single edged sharply curved blade with false edge along back for approximate 1/4 total length. Watered steel with 3 fullers on both sides & Glagolitic (?) script inlaid in gold along blade near hilt; reverse side also has parasol over crown, obverse side shows sun over archangel Michael. Hilt in form of open hand with thumb extended & curled fingertips & engraved ring on smallest "finger". Forward quillon curves toward blade & engraved with overall pattern of grapes & foliation.
Label TextThis unique piece remains a mystery for scholars. The blade appears to be of European manufacture, but in a Turkish style. The inscription seems to be in an obscure alphabet from either the Balkan or Caucasus region. The styling of the gold-inlaid decoration suggests Persian influence. But the elaborate hand-shaped grip is without any known parallels. The weapon is clearly ceremonial, probably from a Christian area of Eastern Europe or Western Asia, with strong Islamic influence. Let us know if you've ever seen anything like it!ProvenancePurchased by Museum on July 1, 1930 from W.O. Oldman, London, England. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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