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Lot 244

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A RARE SUIT OF SUDANESE ARMOR

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Very seldom encountered, the deeply-domed helmet surmounted by a spike finial, with separately-applied brow plate and adjustable nasal. The long camail terminating in three points, woven of heavy rings, with a fabric suspension loop for storage still in place at the rear. Retains its original hand-quilted lining faced with tradecloth, which protects the wearer’s chest, shoulders and back, with an oval opening for the face. The hauberk probably 17th century Persian work, composed of alternating rows of punched and riveted rings, extending to just above the ankle, and vented for wear in the saddle. With overlapping chest closure, the original leather collar intact. The sleeves half-length as is typical, with a leather talismanic case affixed to the right arm, containing a folded section of green silk heavily embroidered in gold thread; likely a fragment from the turban of a Sufi saint. With a quality kaskara broadsword, the disk pommel wrought of silver with remains of the original blue wrap intact, the grip covered in rare white crocodile hide, the heirloom European broadsword blade long and double-edged with deep central fuller. In its stamped leather scabbard with silver locket and chape en suite with the pommel, with strips of applied white crocodile hide at the suspension bands and tip. Comprehensively second half of the 19th century. Wear to fabric and leather. Among the Sudanese groups which fought under the Mahdi, armor was always scant. Helmets of this type were made in Birmingham, originally for the bodyguard of the Khedive of Egypt, known as the Iron Men. Many subsequently fell into the hands of the Sudanese, presumably through combat. By contrast, mail coats were exported to the Sudan from Persia, probably via Arabia, and purchased by the Sudanese elite. Coats as much as 400 years old were in regular use during the Mahdist Uprising. Overall height of helmet with lining 85 cm. Condition II

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