the gently curved steel blade with gold overlay inscriptions running along one side, including one within a lobed cartouche, the cross-guard worked in repoussé with floral motifs and bud quillons, the grip with horn mounts, the fine leather scabbard with silver-gilt lock and chape decorated with a foliate pattern and roundels inscribed ‘Allah, two suspension rings

In overall good condition, some rubbing and oxidisation to surface of blade resulting in some parts of inscription missing, few scratches to hilt, leather on scabbard worn as consistent with age and use, oxidisation to silver, part of silver mount on grip loose and small mount within grip missing, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

'Messenger of God, God bless him and grant him salvation said'

'This esteemed sword is an amulet for the sultan of mankind Sultan Sulayman son of Salim, may God award him with victory'

Possibly: 'work of ma... gharbi'

The presumed original owner of this sword and mace (lot 134) was Edward Wortley Montagu, the only son of Sir Edward Wortley Montagu (1678-1761), British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and his wife, the writer, traveller and orientalist, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. Following in the footsteps of his parents, he travelled extensively throughout the Middle Eas♑t and was particularly fascinated by Egypt, Palestine and Turkey. Adopting the alias ‘The Chevalier de Montagu’, he eventually professed himself a Muslim, adopted Eastern dress and perpetrated the story that he was the illegitimate son of the Turkish Sultan. The present sword and mace (lot 134), both come from the collection of the Earls of Warwick, and probably belonged to the extrovert Edward Wortley Montagu himself. The mace is recognisably the one depicted i🍷n George Romney’s portrait of Montagu (sold in these rooms, 9 July 2014, lot 45, see fig.1, opposite), although the sword, bearing minor differences to the hilt, may be another of Montagu's weapons.