232 - A VERY RARE PERSIAN BAYONET WITH FOLDABLE BLADE, 18TH CENTURY

A VERY RARE PERSIAN BAYONET WITH FOLDABLE BLADE, 18TH CENTURY An exceptional example of Persian ingenuity in arms-making, featuring a long, triangular-section stiletto blade with silver-inlaid floral and calligraphic ornament, folding into a decorated haft or shaft, resembling a cane or polearm with an intricate silver inlay along the spine and handle, executed in Persianate scrollwork with arabesques. Folding mechanism with a release button, allowing the blade to tuck discreetly into the haft, spring-assisted. This bayonet would not have been intended for standard infantry use. Instead, its refined decoration and folding construction suggest it was made for a Qajar nobleman, military officer, or royal court guard, possibly to be worn as both a concealed weapon and ceremonial object. Such folding blade systems are extremely rare in Middle Eastern weaponry and more commonly found in European walking stick weapons, making this a highly unusual hybrid type likely commissioned as a one-off piece or made in a royal workshop. Iran, Qajar Period. Dimensions: L: 22 1/4 in., (56.5 cm.) Condition: Spike appears to be in very good condition overall, with some minor loss to silver inlay. The spring mechanism functions well. Most silver inlay is present across the piece. 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.