AN OTTOMAN SABRE SWORD PALA WITH GOLDEN INLAYS, 18TH 19TH CENTURY, SABEL.
Origin: Ottoman Empire.
A nice example of Ottoman pala sabre with gold-inlaid blade. Dating to 18th-19th century. Length 88,3 cm.
In the late 18th century, though shamshirs continued to be used, the kilij underwent an evolution: the blade was shortened, became much more acutely curved, and was wider with an even deeper yalmen. In addition to the flared tip, these blades have a distinct "T-shaped" cross section to the back of the blade. This allowed greater blade stiffness without an increase in weight. Because of the shape of the tip of the blade and the nature of its curvature the pala (kilij) could be used to perform the thrust, in this it had an advantage over the shamshir whose extreme curvature did not allow the thrust. Usually palaare called shorter kilij sabres.
Blade: a curved single edged blade with back of T-shaped cross section with one wide fuller and long pronounced yelmen. Golden Islamic inlays on both sides of the blade. Length of the blade - 74 cm, width 4,1 cm, thickness 7,3 mm.
Hilt: long iron crossguard with quillons. Crossguard is faceted, of octagonal cross section and drop -shaped ends. Dimensions of the crossguard 17,4 x 8,3 cm. Two grip plates of black horn with a hole in the round pommel. Brass type covering the gap between grip plates. One brass rivet fixing the grip to the blade tang.
Scabbard: absent.
Condition report: good overall condition with amount of wear according to age. Some pitting from corrosion on the blade. Small details of golden inlays are missing. One of grip plates cracked next to the rivet.
15.00 % buyer's premium on the hammer price, VAT included