Sword: ARM.185.1912

Awaiting location update

Maker(s)

Entities

Description

The blade is straight and double edged, deeply etched and gilt with a florid design of calligraphy in foliage. The inscriptions appear nonsense, but are slightly too abraded to read. The jade hilt is of pale green nephrite, carved with a baluster grip, lotus bud guard and pommel, and a curved knucklebow, all carved with vegetation. The scabbard is of wood, with a bone fitting at the throat decorated with the same illegible inscriptions, highlighted in gold, and with bands of turquoises, the main body covered in patinated copper alloy sheet studded with small turquoises and red stone (probably glass), many of which are missing, and there are broad top-locket, suspension loop and chape fittings in brass chased with opulent vegetation.The hilt might well be an Indian example of the 18th century in Mughal style, to which the rest of this odd sword was added for sale late in the 19th century.

Legal notes

C.B. Marlay Bequest

Measurements and weight

Length: 760 mm
Weight: 590 g

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1912) by Marlay, Charles Brinsley

Dating

1850 CE - 1899 CE

Note

The hilt might well be an Indian example of the 18th century in Mughal style, to which the rest of this odd sword was added for sale late in the 19th century.