A very rare example, the engraved steel hilt with symmetrical karabela pommel, ergonomic grip and guard of characteristic form displaying curled quillons with monster head terminals, elaborately chiseled overall, retaining considerable gold inlay. The long, broad blade, double-edged with rounded, bifurcate tip, honoring the sword of the Prophet Muhammad and Ali, Zulfaqar. With fine true-inlaid panels at either side of the forte and a narrow fuller wrought at center bounded by additional inlaid panels, together with cartouches containing gold inlaid verse, worn but appear to be poetic couplets. Forged of fine, actively-grained Persian Kara Khorassan black wootz damascus steel. Of a form typical of beheading swords made in the reign of Nasreddin Shah Qajar (r. 1848-1896.) Mid-19th century, possibly earlier. Wear to gold inlay, small areas of pitting. Overall length 87.8cm/ 34.5". Condition II