A classic example of provincial form, likely Egyptian, the faceted rhino grips with rolled pommel, the steel guard inlaid with silver. The fine, substantially earlier heirloom blade broad, with moderate curvature, and wrought of Sham wootz, (Al-Sham being a medieval term for Damascus, where Crusaders first encountered the mysterious steel) and superbly true inlaid in fine gold with seven cartouches at the right forte which appear to be attributes of Allah, and a lengthy Qur’anic inscription likewise true-inlaid in gold. In its leather-covered wooden scabbard with steel mounts decorated in silver en suite with the hilt. Mid-19th century. Silver rubbed. Overall length 91cm. Condition III