26 November 2014 Russian Art Auctions
26 November 2014
380. A FINE CAUCASIAN SWORD
GEORGIA, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
Length in scabbard 94.5 cm, length of blade 78.5 cm.
14,000–18,000 GBP
Literature: R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour. A Lifetime’s Passion, Robert Hales C.I. Ltd., 2013, p. 232, no. 572, illustrated.
A three fuller blade, slightly curved and inlaid with two gold-lined armourer’s marks in the form of a star and crescent; the leather-covered grip with niello mounts and steel crosspiece decorated with gold damascene; the velvet-covered scabbard applied with matching niello bands.
As a rule, Caucasian men were always armed, as this signified they had personal freedom and their families had protection. Mountain communities were almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world, and thus preserved archaic forms of armour, as ancient as their traditions. Caucasian swords resemble Persian shamshirs with their narrow blades and smooth curves. Grips of Caucasian swords are thin, with a crosspiece and head; mounts are generally made of stamped copper, silver or niello. In the 18th –19th centuries, wooden scabbards were usually laid with leather or morocco, occasionally velvet. The present lot is a high quality, well-preserved example of a traditional 19th century Georgian sword and truly a collector’s piece.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.