The fine, early steel hilt superbly wrought and finished, with characteristic disk pommel, expanded, cusped grip and fleuretted and pierced quillon terminals and langets, the knucklebow terminating in a lotus bud. Superbly inlaid in fine goldwork throughout with intricate flowering vinework motifs, the knucklebow broken and repaired in its working life and apparently broken loose again, possibly in battle, but retained with wire to the grip. A blank space on the interior of the guard indicates it originally held an inscription, likely the owners name, long since removed. The robust blade broad, with slight curvature, and wrought of superior black Kara Taban Persian wootz of high contrast, with narrow back fuller and pronounced yelman back edge with long expanded tip. The chamfered cutting edge retaining considerable original sharpness. 18th century, with earlier heirloom hilt. Gold rubbed, knuckleguard loose and retained by wire. Blade with slight wear. Overall length 88 cm / 354 1/2". Condition II