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					Originally Posted by Conogre
					
				 I'm struck by the red necklace-type bead in the center of the hilt, which seems very uncharacteristic for a sword of this type, more inclined to be found in a Moroccan or N African sword than in an Ottoman sword.Mike
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 Although a little unusual, it looks like this bead is made of cornelian (better closeups can show more) and this semi-precious stone is not unheard of in Ottoman jewelry or other pieces (archer's rings for example made of cornelian).  I'm with Phillip with Ottoman origins.