dating: circa 1700 provenance: Indopersia, Blade of rare shape and quality, in fine wootz damask, of lozenge section, enlarged at the tip, then crossed with a very thin, central fuller on both facets and finally provided with a long tang of rectangular section featuring a fuller per side. The tang with remains of gold and silver inlays with Arabic characters and rinceaux drawings, a carved lion in a circle in the center, on both facets. Iron hilt and grip in one piece, with long langets, straight quillons, thin guard and rare pommel shaped as turban, buttoned at the peak. A small, cusped and pierced shell-guard on the front (with a small part missing). All the surface with remains of gold-inlaid effigies of braided branches and fruit (grape wines?); pommel with remains of gold inlays as well. With wooden scabbard, covered with red velvet (completely worn), with silver cap carved with grape wines in relief, silver chape, decorated en suite. length 82 cm.