I agree concerning the fine proportions of this old sword; the juxtaposition of the European and Alexandrian markings in the context of the overall proportions make this one of my personal favorites among the entire group. It is interesting to note, however, that the tip has seen much resharpening over the years, so presumably there was once a more acute and symmetrical point.
Yes, the sword bears an inscription, placed upon both sides of the forte, referring to Sayf al-Din Aristay, thus placing its accession into the arsenal within the first decade of the 15th century.
The flats of the tang are not visible as wooden grips were riveted on, presumably at the time when these swords were mounted in panoplies in the Ottoman trophy hall at St. Irene.
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