When dream become reality "Kilij-Pala"
 

Hi everybody
I'm very please to introduice you my last input
since long ... my dream, my wish was to have a "Pala"
until now, either price, either quality, or both ... leave the matter without solution
but now, IT'S AT HOME .... :D
fine antique, ottoman kilij, dating in 19th century. 1237 Hegire either 1821 Gregorian

blade of 71cm (28") huge, and well balanced, pleasure to hold it in hand.
the blade t-shaped spine, with gold koftgari,
owner mark and writing (Turkish ... per anticipation THANK YOU ZIFIR ... ;)) on both sides of the blade.

Blade is in good condition, just a few areas of rust and pitting
In blade closeup shots we might clearly see fine Damascus pattern coming through
(Turkish ribbon, as per my appreciation)

Nice hilt in very good condition, and in traditional ottoman style, silvered, or silver (?).
golden brown rhino grip, with few imperfections on, an old crack in one area that has been repaired long ago

traditional "pala/kilij" scabbard in good condition looks, original:
- leather over wood,
- with ottoman style brass stitching and
- nice silvered, silver (?) mounts,
- accompanied by double-sided rings along
- leather has some scratches, small what seem to be a burned/rubbed area.

"bouterolle" looks to be a masterfully done replacement completed
some time ago but matches the other original elements very well.

that for "my" description, but as usual, your comments, advices, appreciations are very welcomed ... indeed :p

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Dom

some more pics

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Dom

Congrats Dom, looks sweet. What is missing though is a photo of the entire unsheathed blade so that we can get an idea of the full profile of the blade. :)

Hi David ...
you are correct .. pic stay alone ... :o

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Dom

Dom,
Mabrook (Congratulations). it's a nice looking sword. I do not think it's Turkish Ribbon, it seems laminated. The locket is partly etched, which is unusual for scabbards. The scabbard in my opinion is later to the blade.
BTW, it looks perfect on your table and fits well among other objects:-)

Looks fabulous Dom!
I've always wanted one of those myself, so hearty congratulations!

Alf mabrouk Dom! This is indeed a very excellent Pala.

Add me to the list of those who wish to own a Pala :)

Alf mabrouk Dom! This is indeed a very excellent Pala.

Add me to the list of those who wish to own a Pala :)

LIke the pala. Would you show pictures of the saif please? :D

Hi Battara
I presented my "sayf" sometime ago,
here we are with pleasure :D
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=Jeddah

best regards

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Dom

choukhane, Allah ya Barifik, :D
Inch'Allah 7elmak yata7akak.

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Dom

Good evening Alex
Thanks for compliments, and appreciations
I'll take on my account your comment about the type of steel for the blade
may be the scabbard is newest than the blade, but at that moment the hilt also ...
the decor for;
- the hilt
- the locket
- bottom tip
is exactly identical ... judge by yourself ... what should be my thought :confused:
and in the same time the leather has some scratches, apparently due to use, it's notartificially grown old

by the way, what you call a "table" is the top of a ... gothic chest of 15th century .. LOL

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Dom

Beautiful piece/s Dom. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Dom,
Is it possible to get more clearer pictures for writings, I have read them partially, but in the pictures there are some blurred areas and I have difficulty reading them.

Hi Zifir
very please to read you :D
are you talking about this pic ... only ?
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7363/img1015r.jpg

or about; the part etched (locket) of the scabbard ?

I think to redo all, using the inversion of "positive/negative"
may be ... will have a better reading, I will try :D

by the way Zifir, your appreciations, and review I do not beg for a compliment ... :p
but I should like to know your thought after the question lift-up by Alex, concerning the scabbard ...
new one, or ?? .. cheated ? I mean ... Indian copy ?,
and by extension the hilt ... since the decor is similar :confused:
did you already saw some scabbard with locket partly etched ??

in every way I am "crazy" :p from my "Pala"
whatever what I can learn about it
but I like to know the true ... to don't die ... stupid ;)
with "our" best souvenir, my Friend

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Dom

I think its very similar to syrian work. i wouldnt be too bothered, Dom its very good and its not bad if blades are refurbished properly :)

Good Day ZifirI
I tried the color inversion, but no interresting result
in a first time, I presente you, after have acted on color contrast, tell me ??

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Dom

Agree on all points. The work indeed resembles Syrian. The flowers with dot-like petals, rolling bands and smaller dots in the background is very Syrian, as on attached example of late last Century Syrian work. and another pix is of 19th C work just for comparison.
It is done properly, Dom. and the Pala looks great overall. I also agree that all parts are matching. The leather and stitching are old(er). As in any proper restoration, the fittings would be made to fit the profile. Great sword indeed!

Hi Dom,

Ta ezelden kadim olmuş
Otuz birin yoldaşım,
Adüvvden intikam almak için
Yapılmıştır bu pala.

My comrade (not in modern sense of course :D , yoldaş means the one who follows the same path), our 31st (meaning 31st Bölük - regiment) has been the oldest from time immemorial,
This pala was made to take revenge from enemy.

I think this rhyme is a clear sign showing that you own a janissary pala Dom :)

Adavetle adüvv olmuş
Var ise gelsin meydana
İzn(?)-i Mevla ile Adüvvü
Helak eyler bu pala

If there is anyone who becomes enemy with enmity
Let him come to battle field
With the permission of God, this pala destroys him

Dom sorry for this very dry translation, I think it's time to develop some literary skills :D

thank you very much for the efforts, Zifir :D
it's nice to be able to determine what kind of person could be the owner of this "Pala"
now, I know, thanks again

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Dom

Hi Zifir
sorry for what? :confused:
I do not think that in those days, the Janissaries were people with emotional?
many of them, if not virtually all were castrated at an early age,
their destiny was to be the most valiant soldiers, and efficient as possible
all this, leaves little room for sentimentality or affectation :p
I imagine most of these guys, were tough and rough,
but with an education that gave them a sense of aesthetics and beauty ;)

thanks again for every things, my Friend

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Dom

Thanks for Sharing Dom and thanks Zifir for a wonderful insight to the script on the Pala blade. Being both translators for the forum community your work is appreciated!

Gav