Sword signed as Amal-e-Asadullah - Asda (Need Information)

Ahad K. · 25th February 2014, 04:18 PM

Hello friend,
I am presenting an antique sword in original condition, stamped or signed as Amal-e-Asadullah - Asda.
History says Hazrat Ali (RA) was prominent at the Battle of Uhud, as well as many other battles where he wielded a bifurcated sword known as Zulfiqar. He had the special role of protecting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when most of the Muslim army fled from the battle of Uhud and it was said "There is no brave youth except Ali and there is no sword which renders service except Zulfiqar." He was commander of the Muslim army in the Battle of Khaybar. Following this battle Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave Hazrat Ali (RA) the name Asadullah, which in Arabic means "Lion of Allah" or "Lion of God". Hazrat Ali (RA) also defended Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Battle of Hunayn in 630.
I think this sword is not related to Asfahani Sword "the work of Assadullah of Isfahan".
According to the tradition of the Islam, the Prophet Muhammad has two swords. The first was a straight blade sword, common to the period, which is now shown in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul.
The second sword is believed to have a split blade. It was given to Hazrat Ali (RA), the Prophet son in low, who fought with it many great battles and seen great victories. The sword was nicknamed*Zulfikar* (Lord of cleaving).
This sword is lost, and no one really knows what was its shape.
Many attempts to describe the Zulfikar have been made during the development of Islamic swords.
Is this sword belongs to Hazrat Ali (R.A), Any idea?

A.alnakkas · 25th February 2014, 05:50 PM

Salam Ahad,

This says "Amal Assadullah Asfahani" or work of Assadullah of Asfahan. This sword is 17th to 19th century most likely so no, it did not belong to Imam Ali (RA)

The name Assadullah is used to this day especially in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

You have a nice sword, but you are aiming too far in the past with its attribution. I would also point that the inscription is not an authentic Assadullah inscription, its crude so likely made later on the blade. Its still a very good sword.

AhmedH · 25th February 2014, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahad K.

Hello friend,
I am presenting an antique sword in original condition, stamped or signed as Amal-e-Asadullah - Asda.
History says Hazrat Ali (RA) was prominent at the Battle of Uhud, as well as many other battles where he wielded a bifurcated sword known as Zulfiqar. He had the special role of protecting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when most of the Muslim army fled from the battle of Uhud and it was said "There is no brave youth except Ali and there is no sword which renders service except Zulfiqar." He was commander of the Muslim army in the Battle of Khaybar. Following this battle Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave Hazrat Ali (RA) the name Asadullah, which in Arabic means "Lion of Allah" or "Lion of God". Hazrat Ali (RA) also defended Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Battle of Hunayn in 630.
I think this sword is not related to Asfahani Sword "the work of Assadullah of Isfahan".
According to the tradition of the Islam, the Prophet Muhammad has two swords. The first was a straight blade sword, common to the period, which is now shown in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul.
The second sword is believed to have a split blade. It was given to Hazrat Ali (RA), the Prophet son in low, who fought with it many great battles and seen great victories. The sword was nicknamed*Zulfikar* (Lord of cleaving).
This sword is lost, and no one really knows what was its shape.
Many attempts to describe the Zulfikar have been made during the development of Islamic swords.
Is this sword belongs to Hazrat Ali (R.A), Any idea?

Salaams Ahad!

I'm with al-Nakkas here. For information about the original Dhu'l-Faqar, please read my article here; which I posted in this thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=17804&page=1

Please enjoy!

Best regards,
Ahmed Helal Hussein

AJ1356 · 26th February 2014, 05:16 AM

What the others have mentioned is correct, it is too hopeful to date this the way you are dating it.
The title Assadullah was that of Hamza (ra) the uncle of of the Prophet, the title of Imam Ali (ra) was Saifullah.
Assadullah Isfahani, was one of the best swordsmiths of the Safawid dynasty.
AhmadH has a really good write up on the Zulfiqar.
Do a few searches and read up some of the posts, this forum is full of good information. and welcome to the forum.

Ahad K. · 26th February 2014, 11:32 AM

Assalam, Its my pleasure to joining the forum. Thank you A.alnakkas, AhmedH and AJ1356 for your info and comments, I appreciate and yes I have started reading the web page http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showt...?t=17804&page=1, for further information, my pleasure and many more related sites.
Can you friends tell me what اصضا stands for? The google translation detected this word as a Persian word but i didn`t find its meaning yet.

A.alnakkas · 26th February 2014, 05:52 PM

Salam Ahad,

It is not اصضا it is اصفهان but the noon ن placed on top next to Assadullah. This is common in calligraphy.

A.alnakkas · 26th February 2014, 06:41 PM

Ahad: email me at AAlnakkas(at)gmail(dot)com I'll email you some things that will help you.

ariel · 7th March 2014, 01:48 AM

Based on the very long ribbed lower scabbard fitting, I would think at least the scabbard is Afghani, 19th century. The rest is not far from there, IMXO. The screw on top of the pommel and the crudely cut triangular spaces for langets on the scabbard suggest recent renovations and repairs. God only knows what parts were added.

Ahad K. · 9th March 2014, 10:52 PM

I didn`t found the origin of the sword yet.

Ahad K. · 27th October 2014, 07:13 PM

1. Yes I believe that this sword didn`t belong to Hazrat Ali (RA), you are right.
2. but Can you tell us that "What is authentic Assadullah inscription"? I think you only value gold inlaid inscriptions. I hope, if you remove the gold from inlaid inscription, they will look alike (crude etc).
3. I am 99 percent sure that The maker of this sword is Asadullah of Isfahan, Iran, no doubt, the remaining 1 percent remains for Lab certificate.
4. There are lots of Forensic labs which can accurately find out its age and its inscription instead of your comment "its crude so likely made later on the blade"
And why Mr. Asadullah of isfahan, Iran made its inscription crude on this sword, to get this answer i need a time machine to go back to the past.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Salam Ahad,

This says "Amal Assadullah Asfahani" or work of Assadullah of Asfahan. This sword is 17th to 19th century most likely so no, it did not belong to Imam Ali (RA)

The name Assadullah is used to this day especially in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

You have a nice sword, but you are aiming too far in the past with its attribution. I would also point that the inscription is not an authentic Assadullah inscription, its crude so likely made later on the blade. Its still a very good sword.

ariel · 28th October 2014, 09:47 AM

Well, if you are sure, why would we try to dissuade you? Please continue to believe.

On my end, I know that Assadulla was famous for his sophisticated wootz pattern, of which there is not a trace here; that there are hundreds of blades bearing his name and dated as late as 19th century; and that all blades attributed to the real Assadulla bear extremely elegant inscription, which is not the case here.

You believe it is a real Assadulla, I believe it is a very late imitation. Each one keeps his own opinion. Sounds good?

25th February 2014, 04:18 PM	#1
Ahad K. Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 6	Sword signed as Amal-e-Asadullah - Asda (Need Information) Hello friend, I am presenting an antique sword in original condition, stamped or signed as Amal-e-Asadullah - Asda. History says Hazrat Ali (RA) was prominent at the Battle of Uhud, as well as many other battles where he wielded a bifurcated sword known as Zulfiqar. He had the special role of protecting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when most of the Muslim army fled from the battle of Uhud and it was said "There is no brave youth except Ali and there is no sword which renders service except Zulfiqar." He was commander of the Muslim army in the Battle of Khaybar. Following this battle Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave Hazrat Ali (RA) the name Asadullah, which in Arabic means "Lion of Allah" or "Lion of God". Hazrat Ali (RA) also defended Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Battle of Hunayn in 630. I think this sword is not related to Asfahani Sword "the work of Assadullah of Isfahan". According to the tradition of the Islam, the Prophet Muhammad has two swords. The first was a straight blade sword, common to the period, which is now shown in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul. The second sword is believed to have a split blade. It was given to Hazrat Ali (RA), the Prophet son in low, who fought with it many great battles and seen great victories. The sword was nicknamedZulfikar (Lord of cleaving). This sword is lost, and no one really knows what was its shape. Many attempts to describe the Zulfikar have been made during the development of Islamic swords. Is this sword belongs to Hazrat Ali (R.A), Any idea? Attached Images

26th February 2014, 11:32 AM	#5
Ahad K. Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 6	What is the meaning of the word اصضا is? Assalam, Its my pleasure to joining the forum. Thank you A.alnakkas, AhmedH and AJ1356 for your info and comments, I appreciate and yes I have started reading the web page http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showt...?t=17804&page=1, for further information, my pleasure and many more related sites. Can you friends tell me what اصضا stands for? The google translation detected this word as a Persian word but i didn`t find its meaning yet.

9th March 2014, 10:52 PM	#9
Ahad K. Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 6	Origin of the sword I didn`t found the origin of the sword yet.

25th February 2014, 05:50 PM	#2
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Salam Ahad, This says "Amal Assadullah Asfahani" or work of Assadullah of Asfahan. This sword is 17th to 19th century most likely so no, it did not belong to Imam Ali (RA) The name Assadullah is used to this day especially in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. You have a nice sword, but you are aiming too far in the past with its attribution. I would also point that the inscription is not an authentic Assadullah inscription, its crude so likely made later on the blade. Its still a very good sword.

26th February 2014, 05:16 AM	#4
AJ1356 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Nashville Posts: 314	What the others have mentioned is correct, it is too hopeful to date this the way you are dating it. The title Assadullah was that of Hamza (ra) the uncle of of the Prophet, the title of Imam Ali (ra) was Saifullah. Assadullah Isfahani, was one of the best swordsmiths of the Safawid dynasty. AhmadH has a really good write up on the Zulfiqar. Do a few searches and read up some of the posts, this forum is full of good information. and welcome to the forum.

26th February 2014, 05:52 PM	#6
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Salam Ahad, It is not اصضا it is اصفهان but the noon ن placed on top next to Assadullah. This is common in calligraphy.

26th February 2014, 06:41 PM	#7
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Ahad: email me at AAlnakkas(at)gmail(dot)com I'll email you some things that will help you.

7th March 2014, 01:48 AM	#8
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Based on the very long ribbed lower scabbard fitting, I would think at least the scabbard is Afghani, 19th century. The rest is not far from there, IMXO. The screw on top of the pommel and the crudely cut triangular spaces for langets on the scabbard suggest recent renovations and repairs. God only knows what parts were added.

28th October 2014, 09:47 AM	#11
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Well, if you are sure, why would we try to dissuade you? Please continue to believe. On my end, I know that Assadulla was famous for his sophisticated wootz pattern, of which there is not a trace here; that there are hundreds of blades bearing his name and dated as late as 19th century; and that all blades attributed to the real Assadulla bear extremely elegant inscription, which is not the case here. You believe it is a real Assadulla, I believe it is a very late imitation. Each one keeps his own opinion. Sounds good?