Turkey, Ottoman Empire. A Rare and Ornate Presentation Dagger with Damascus Blade, c.1860

A rare Ottoman presentation knife, measuring 255 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 124 mm-long magnetic Damascus steel blade with a slightly sharpened lower edge. The obverse of the blade features an intricate silver design. It sets securely within a silvered upper crossguard, inset with central cut stones on both the obverse and reverse and with etched floral patterns throughout. A decorative silvered metal ring facilitates the hilt’s transition to the handle, bearing raised flowers divided by rounded gems of identical composition. The handle grip is composed of a tapering piece of polished and ribbed stone. It completes with a decorative, magnetic metal pommel nut, rivet in place to securely maintain the structure of the knife. The knife is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a curved rayskin shaft. It is adorned with brass alloy fixtures at the tip and throat, connected together with bands secured in place with dual rivets along each side. The fixtures bear finely-detailed floral designs, and are inset with small cut stones along both the obverse and reverse. With the exception of the blade inscription, the knife is fully unmarked. Some issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include slight oxidation of the blade, loss of finish to the metal elements, and the loss of six of the glass gems and pearls formerly decorating the scabbard. Dating from approximately 1850, this ornate knife exhibits the traditional style and design of Ottoman daggers and blades however also represents shift with a Western influence, specifically Austrian. Despite its age, it remains in overall very fine condition.