Superb 18th C. Persian Karabela Sword with jade grips and wootz fittings

This is a fine example of an early to mid 18th C. Persian Zand period karabela sword of elegant form and design. The grip scales are spinach jade, in the tradition of the finest Timurid lapidarists, which was continued into the Safavid period and is reflected in the dragon head quillons which are related in form to the exceptional Timurid crossguard now in the Metropolitan Museum. The graceful aesthetic of this sword speaks to an owner of refined taste who appreciated the Safavid tradition of fine ironwork.

The fittings of this sword, including the crossguard and the two scabbard fittings are made of watered wootz steel, which is visible on the surfaces. The blade is fine watered steel visible all throughout in fine condition. The blade displays a very small edge cut. The form of the blade is highly uncommon, as it is not shortened and displays a distinct form of yelman somewhat like an armor piercing tip.

The scabbard is original and made in the Persian style with ass-skin leather stretched over a timber core with internal wires which form a design when the leather hardens.

A fine original 18th C. Persian karabela with jade grips in superb condition.

Overall length is 35, blade is 28.