An Ottoman parcel-gilt silver-mounted sword (yataghan) signed al-Hajj Muhammad Husayn
Balkans, dated AH 1237/ AD 1821-22
the single-edged slightly curved blade with two fullers to each side running along the top edge, both sides decorated in gold-inlay with a series of linked geometric motifs and stars to one side, to the other an inscription-filled cartouche and further star motifs, the forte with silver-gilt mounts, the parcel-gilt silver hilt of typical form, engraved and decorated with floral motifs and applied rosettes, the wood scabbard clad in silver and decorated in repoussé with floral and foliate vines within arched niches, the top with bands of silver-gilt filigree, suspension loop to one side
67.5 cm. long
Footnotes:
Provenance
Christie's, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including a Private Collection Donated to Benefit the University of Oxford, Part IV, 10 October 2013, lot 162.
Private UK collection.

Inscriptions: ya khafi al-altaf najjina mimma nakhaf, 'O Thou whose acts of kindness remain hidden! Protect us from what we fear', tawakkaltu 'ala allah, 'I put my trust in God', sanah 1237, 'The year 1237 (AD 1821-2)', 'izzat bad 'amal al-hajj muhammad husayn, sahibuhu hamzah agha, 'May there be glory. The work of al-Hajj Muhammad Husayn, its owner Hamzah Agha.'