Antike Waffen & Rüstungen

| 25 A Greek silver-mounted and gilt kilij, end of the 18th century The curved, single-edged blade made of beautifully figured wootz-Da- mascus, broadening towards the double-edged point. The obverse with a gold-inlaid representation of the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus, bearing a long inscription inGreek along the back, “ ΔΙKΑCΟΝΚΥΡΙΕ ΤΟΥC ΑΔΙΚΟΥΝ ΤΑCΜΕ, ΜΟΛΕΜΙCΟΝ ΤΟΥC ΜΟΛΕΜΟΥΝ ΤΑCΜΕ ” (Lord, judge those who consider me to be unjust and punish those who fight against me!). Silver gilt quillons with floral engravings, the riveted ivory grips with a gilt grip strap and strap loop. The tassel of later date. The solid silver, gilt scabbard engraved with flowers, dra- gons and lions. Both suspension bars with sturdy, movable suspension rings. Magnificent sabre in excellent condition. Length 94 cm. Comes with an original invoice in French, issued to Mr Venturini by the antique dealer Theodose Theophilis of Athens, dated 25 April 1929, (erroneously) attributing the sabre to the last ruling dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, the “Palaiologos”. This undoubtedly referred to Constantine XI Dragases and his sabre, who became the stuff of legends following his heroic death. Constantine XI’s legacy was used to rally the troops during the Greek uprisings against the Ottoman Empire (end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century). While serving as ambassador to Rus- sia in February 1834, Ahmed Pascha presented Tsar Nicholas with a number of gifts, including a sabre that was also attributed to this emperor. P rovenance : Hermann Historica, Auction 74 (April 2017), lot 2418, selling price 48,000 euros. Attention – shipping to non-EU countries subject to CITES regulations. 258084 II € 23.000