Very rare Ottoman saber KARABELA, wootz blade, silver with the tugra of Sultan Ahmed III, early 18th century. With fine grips retained by three engraved silver bosses on either side, those on the obverse set with rectangular garnets. The elaborately-modeled guard of silver with rolled quillons, chiseled, engraved and gilded and struck with the tugra of Sultan Ahmed III (r. 1703-1730.) The wooden scabbard covered in black leather with large silver mounts decorated en suite with the hilt and likewise hallmarked. The exceptionally broad and lightly-curved wootz blade. Beginning of the 18th century. Provenance Auctions Imperial Inc, March 20, 2011, lot 204.

Height: 85 cm;