Saber with Scabbard
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Curationist Object DescriptionThis saber drips with precious jewels. Ottoman sword makers assembled it for the 1876 inauguration of Murad V, as a symbol of the new Sultan's authority. The Ottoman swordsmith created this sword from components already in the Ottomans’ massive armory. The swordsmith chose a Persian blade from the 1600s. The jade grip is from India and was likely made in the 1700s. The Ottoman sword makers crafted the gold and gilt brass scabbard (case) and the guard that separates the hilt from the blade. They finished the piece by encrusting it with emeralds and diamonds and wrapping the guard in pearls. An emerald near the top of the scabbard opens to reveal a secret compartment. The underside of the emerald reads, “According to God’s Will” in Arabic. Inside the compartment, a gold coin bears the name of Süleyman the Magnificent, a powerful 16th century Ottoman ruler. If Murad hoped the coin would bring him Süleyman's good fortune, however, he was mistaken: Murad was deposed within ninety-three days of his inauguration.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Description
Saber with scabbard
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All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:
Unknown, Saber with Scabbard, 18th and 19th centuries. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ottoman sword makers assembled this sword for the 1876 inauguration of Murad V. Public Domain.
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