*Rare European, Early 19th Century, Childs Mameluke Sword and Original Brass Scabbard*
Approximate measurements:
32.5cm curved blade, 43cm overall
Marked I IX
This is a very rare find, a magnificent curved Mameluke, sized for a child, with full brass scabbard and details. Checkered wood grip, straight cross guard with ornate flower motif, pointed langets and quillons and a chained hand guard. Curved brass pommel with shell motif, wooden cross-hatched grip. Single edged curved blade, double-edged at the point, with a central fuller almost to its tip. Complete with two-ring brass scabbard engraved on one side with floral motifs and an anchor. The side of the chape marked I IX.
A Mameluke sword /ˈmæməluːk/ is a cross-hilted, curved, scimitar-like sword historically derived from sabres used by Mamluk warriors of Mamluk Egypt after whom the sword is named. During Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaigns of 1798-1801 the French Army was greatly impressed by the military prowess of the Mamluk slave troops of the Ottoman Empire and their distinctively curved scimitars. This style of sword soon gained popularity with many French officers, who renamed them “Mameluke” sabers. The style also caught on in other European nations, including England. The hilt and blade retain many features of the Turkish kilij from which it was derived. These include the cross-guard with two opposing langets and the down curving ‘pistol-grip’ shaped pommel; the blade retains the yelman false-edge and the step to the back of the blade (latchet) close to it. The blade is slab-sided and of a ‘V’ shaped cross-section, it is double-edged for its last 11 inches (the yelman) and comes to a relatively acute asymmetric point.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. The is a small split to the wood on the side of the grip. A small dent on the pommel. The blade looks hand finished. and has some mild tarnishing. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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