A rare example of classic form, probably Ottoman Court Workshop. The rhinoceros grips finely carved, the mounts of silver, superbly embossed and chased in relief with stands of arms amongst flowering vines. The broad, T-section blade fullered and paneled at the yelman, or back edge, wrought of finely pattern-welded damascus steel, with elaborate gold-inlaid panels to each side of the forte. At the right, THERE IS NO HERO BUT ALI and THERE IS NO SWORD BUT ZULFAQAR, and at the left, ALLAH! TUKLAT ALI! beneath a further, untranslated inscription. With further goldwork at the base of the yelman on either side. In its leather-covered wooden scabbard finely mounted in silver, en suite with the hilt. Mid-18th century. Gold very lightly rubbed. Kilic formerly in the collection of noted Polish artist Juliusz Kossak (1824-1899,) well-known for his military portraits and panoramic battle scenes. Kossak was a friend of poet Adam Mickiewicz and author Henryk Sienkiewicz, and illustrator of both their works. Overall length 87 cm.Condition I