116 - A FINE WOOTZ BLADED ISLAMIC PERSIAN KHANJAR DAGGER WITH ARABIC INSCRIPTION, 19TH CEN.

A FINE WOOTZ BLADED ISLAMIC PERSIAN KHANJAR DAGGER WITH ARABIC INSCRIPTION, 19TH CEN. A finely made Islamic Persian khanjar dagger with a wootz blade, which has been decorated with exquisite gold koftari Arabic script (Thuluth style, stylized): "...لا فتى إلا علي لا سيف إلا ذو الفقار". Translation: "There is no hero but ʿAlī, and no sword but Dhū al-Faqār." This phrase is a famous Shi'a invocation praising ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and referring to his legendary sword Dhū al-Faqār. It's commonly found on Shi'ite arms and armor, especially from Safavid and Qajar Persia. The bone handle is intricately carved and engraved with anthropomorphic scenes along the grip and Arabic lettering on the grip. The blade bears what appears to be an old inventory number written in marker on one side. Islamic World, Iran, early 19th century. Dimensions: L: 17 3/8 in., (17 3/8 cm.) Condition: Blade appears to be in very good condition overall. Grip with some cracks and signs of old restoration. Hilt is tight. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.