the slender curved, single-edged finely watered-steel blade signed 'Asadullah' with incised inscriptive cartouche to one side, the other side bearing gold umbrella mark and small cartouche with inscription, gold floral cartouche at forte, silver hilt with engraved cross-piece and monkey (Hanuman) terminals, pommel of similar form, head en-suite, ivory grips, with leather-covered wood scabbard and silver chape, mounts with suspension loops and provision for by-knife

Nana Sahib, India (b. circa 1820 - d. circa 1859).
Major-General Henry Templer, 7th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry.
Private collection, UK. 

Previously on display in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter, 1920s. 

In generally good condition, some minor oxidisation to blade, part of gold on inscriptive cartouches missing, very difficult to read, flat edge of blade with scratches, the hilt with minor patches of oxidisation around quillons and mount, the leather covered wood scabbard with some wear, notably scratches and minor chips near edge, the mounts also with some oxidisation, 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

Asadullah

Of historic importance, this sword once belonged to the rebel and leader in the Indian Mutiny of 1857–58, Nana Sahib of Cawnpore. The previous owner describes in a letter dated 22 July 1994, how his great uncle, Major-General Templer, raided Nana Sahib's home by surprise, leading to his fleeing and capture. Among the possessions left behind was the present sword, originally covered in gems and precious stones. The sword made its way to England with Henry Templer, and was held at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter, on display until returning to the possession of Templer's family.

The fine quality of the blade can be viewed in the controlled rendering of the watered-steel, arranged in horizontal 'steps' sometimes referred to as 'the ladder of Mohammed'. Signed 'Asadullah', this title has been associated with both a single person and also, more generally to Iranian swordsmiths who had attained a particular level of mastery. Literally meaning 'Lion of God', this is one of the titles given to Imam 'Ali (For more information on 'Asadullah', see Allan and Gilmour 2000, p.102).

The monkey-like head on the tip of the hilt and quillons may be a reference to Hanuman, the Hindu Monkey general. It is possible that he was chosen by Nana Sahib due to the role which he played in the Ramayana, or for his worshipped devotion to Rama, representing a symbol of strength and energy. This sword is an important testament not only to Nana Sahib's cause, but also to the more general Sepoy Mutiny between 1857 and 1858, and the subsequent important reforms which followed.