Sworders
Lot 102
An Ottoman presentation kilij sword with European mounts, dated 1843, the fine watered steel blade with a robust spine, bearing chiselled cartouches showing a stylised lion and an Arabic inscription, the background inlaid with gold, with carved ivory grips and a brass hilt, the scabbard also with brass mounts, profusely chased with a fine rococo design with evidence of original gilding, the reverse of the scabbard locket engraved with a presentation inscription in a flowing script stating ‘Donné a R W Long Wellesley par son ami Rodolphe d’Ornano le 20 Fev’er 1843’,87cm longProvenance: This sword was presented by Le Comte Rodolphe d’Ornano to William Richard Arthur Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley in 1843. Inherited by Henry Wellesley, 1st Earl of Cowley, and thence by descent through the family, from whose collection it was acquired by the present owner.William Richard Arthur Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley was the 5th Earl of Mornington and great-nephew to the 'Iron Duke', 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. Le Comte Rodolphe d’Ornano was a diplomat in Paris, and second cousin to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.IMPORTANT NOTEThis lot contains elephant ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding.This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018, on account of it being made before 3 March 1947 with less than 10% ivory by volume. Ivory declaration submission reference: STFYUGFS.Condition ReportOverall appears in well-conserved, good cosmetic order and is structurally sound, with a small amount of wear commensurate with age and use: One of the ivory grips with a small crack to one corner, which appears to be an old repaired break which has come free again. Some slight scratches and discolouration to grip. Ivory grips are removable. A tiny amount of rust and corrosion where hilt meets the base of the blade. Expected small dings and dents to the edge of the blade. Some pitting and wear to the length of the blade, with areas of loss to watered detail. Areas of loss to gilt inlay. Rubbing and wear to velvet covering of scabbard. Tarnish, rubbing and loss to the gilding of the mounts.
