SOLD Rare Antique 18th Century Turkish Ottoman Or Polish Sword Karabela

SOLD Rare, authentic antique,18th century, Turkish Ottoman, or Polish sword, Karabela, with a hilt of characteristic Karabela form comprised of a grip with black horn grip-scales, carved in low relief with chevrons, secured to the tang of the blade by three iron-rivets with brass rosettes, enclosed by brass straps. A riveted brass cross-guard with bud shaped terminals and langets, all finely engraved.
 
A typical 18th century, long, slightly curved sturdy blade, most likely of Polish origin, cut on each face with two fullers, engraved on both sides with Crescent Moon, with face amongst the stars, rayed Sun and the hand emerging from the clouds holding the sword (worn).
In its original leather-bound wooden scabbard stitched with spiral brass wire, and mounted with a large brass locket, chape and two bands with loops for suspension, engraved on both sides with linear frame and foliage.
 
CONDITION: Age and usage is showing. Absence of leather on the upper part of the scabbard. Blade slightly pitted in some areas, underneath the cross-guard is one minor crack (most likely from a fight) with old repairing. However, the sword is in good condition considering its age to be over 250 years old. The sword is free of any modern repairs, or restoration.
 
The Turkish Ottoman and Polish Karabela swords were in two version: costume parade karabelas, and combat karabelas, this one is a typical combat karabela sword.
 
MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length: 96.5 cm (38.5 inches).
Overall length without the scabbard: 88 cm (34.65 inches).
Length of the blade: 83 cm (32.68 inches).
Width of the blade at the widest point: 3.6 cm (1.42 inches).
Thickness of the blade spine: 9 mm (0.35 inches).
Antique 17th-18th century Polish arms and armour were always considered as the scarcest antique military objects, rarely appearing for sale, and they are almost impossible to acquire.
Unfortunately, with a big demand on authentic, 17th-18th century, Polish arms and armour in the last years, there have appeared on the market many reproductions of historical Polish arms and armour, including swords, maces, war hammers, helmets, armour, and the rarest polish swords: karabelas. All these reproductions are made by craftsmen in USA Poland, and other Eastern European countries. These objects, in many cases, are very well made and professionally aged, corroded, and damaged, to look old, and for inexperienced collectors look the same as authentic artifacts.
These reproductions do not have any historical or investment value.

This is an example of a rare authentic antique, 18th century, Polish sword and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

PROVENANCE:
We have acquired this sword together with other Polish antiques, including also, antique Polish arms and armour from an old Canadian collection.