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Old 14th April 2021, 06:44 PM   #1
RSWORD
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Default Translation Assistance with 18/19th century Ottoman Kilij

Hello. Am hoping to receive assistance with the extensive calligraphy on this Kilij which I think is circa 1750-1825. I have also included a picture of the tughra and hallmark. These marks show on the tang band, cross guard, all scabbard mounts as well as the hanging rings. These marks are very bold and quite visible so I think they were meant to be seen. I'm hoping the hallmarks and the inscriptions shed more light into this sword.

Thank you in advance.
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Old 14th April 2021, 06:46 PM   #2
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Here are the additional inscriptions that run along the spine. Thank you again.
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Old 14th April 2021, 08:11 PM   #3
Ian
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Very nice sword Rick. I look forward to hearing from our expert translators.
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Old 16th April 2021, 02:28 AM   #4
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One part includes "Allah" in it, and another part says "Made in China"
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Old 16th April 2021, 11:26 PM   #5
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That is a great looking sword. Good wootz to. I can not read the text. But is there a date near the crossuard? Its worn but I see 1211, 1796
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Old 17th April 2021, 10:58 PM   #6
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The upper inscription is the ubiquitous

لا فتا (فتى) الا علي لا سيف الا ذ[و] الفقار

“There is no hero but ‘Ali, no sword but Dhu’l-Fiqar”

The lower, long inscription is Qur’an 48:1-4

In the 5-pointed star is ما شاء الله

“What God wills (ma sha’a allah)”

The inscription on the other side in the cartouche next to the grip is

يا مفتح الابواب افتح لنا خير الباب

“O Opener of Doors, open for us the best of doors.”

The larger silver assay mark looks like the tughra of ‘Abdulaziz (r. 1861-76). I’d have to look at it with a magnifying glass to be completely sure. The smaller one is the sahh assay mark.
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Old 18th April 2021, 02:30 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian
Very nice sword Rick. I look forward to hearing from our expert translators.
Thank you Ian. I do as well.
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Old 18th April 2021, 02:31 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Battara
One part includes "Allah" in it, and another part says "Made in China"
Thank you for your partial translation Jose. Nothing wrong with an Ottoman sword with strong Chinese connections!
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Old 18th April 2021, 02:32 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drabant1701
That is a great looking sword. Good wootz to. I can not read the text. But is there a date near the crossuard? Its worn but I see 1211, 1796
Hello. Yes, the wootz is clear and consistent throughout. Quite good for a kilij. Not sure about the date though.
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Old 18th April 2021, 02:35 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kwiatek
The upper inscription is the ubiquitous

لا فتا (فتى) الا علي لا سيف الا ذ[و] الفقار

“There is no hero but ‘Ali, no sword but Dhu’l-Fiqar”

The lower, long inscription is Qur’an 48:1-4

In the 5-pointed star is ما شاء الله

“What God wills (ma sha’a allah)”

The inscription on the other side in the cartouche next to the grip is

يا مفتح الابواب افتح لنا خير الباب

“O Opener of Doors, open for us the best of doors.”

The larger silver assay mark looks like the tughra of ‘Abdulaziz (r. 1861-76). I’d have to look at it with a magnifying glass to be completely sure. The smaller one is the sahh assay mark.

Thank you very much Kwiatek! I greatly appreciate the translation assistance. It adds tremendously to the beauty of the sword and gives insight into the original owner and the religious texts that were important to them.
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Old 18th April 2021, 04:26 AM   #11
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“There is ... no sword but Dhu’l-Fiqar” ...

Or is it? It could be read "I am Dhu’l-Fiqar." ...

It is a beauty too. Feel free to loan it to me for a few decades. I'll even let you pay the Postage.

Ref:Zulfiqar

Last edited by Ian; 19th April 2021 at 12:09 AM. Reason: Bit over the top, mate ...
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Old 18th April 2021, 02:32 PM   #12
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Kwiatek, thank you for the translation. With regard to the 6-pointed star, can you tell us what the symbolism means? I note an "o" adjacent to each point--does this have some special significance.

Thanks,

Ian.
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Old 18th April 2021, 08:21 PM   #13
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Pleasure.

Yes, it is a six-pointed star of course, not five as I wrote. As far as I remember it is normally associated with the Seal of Suleyman (Solomon)
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Old 18th April 2021, 09:44 PM   #14
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The six pointed star is usually the "Seal of Suliman" (Solomon) which is talismanic to ward off evil influences and demons.
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Old 19th April 2021, 12:04 AM   #15
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Thank you kwiatek and Battara.
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