1927.58.8

Persian/Afghan sabre, 18th - 19th century, OAL 825mm. Blade: steel, L. 687mm, curved, single edged with unusual serrated and scalloped edge and back. Right side exhibits niello work and arabesque pattern with central cartouche containing Arabic script, possibly makers name. Hilt: steel, broken across forward edge of grip. Cross guard with forward curving ends with domed terminal knobs, all engraved with large flowers within lattice work. Tang appears split and welded to pommel which is in the shape of a stylised bird's head decorated as cross guard, beak possibly held a gem/stone, now gone. The bird's left eye still contains a red substance while the right is now empty. Grips are ivory in two pieces riveted in the centre to the tang. No scabbard.

Persia

18th century, 19th century

steel, ivory