The restoration process of a marvellous Ottoman Kilic -- myArmoury.com

Manouchehr M.

This is a late Kilic with giraffe horn grip, which is quite rare and is seen only on quality blades. The blade needs definitely a professional polish. As you can see from the picture the cross-guard is bent on one side and needs to be straightened. Note that this is a later version of Kilic meaning that this type appeared around 18 or mid 18 century. In contrast to the earlier blades this version has a T-spine (to compensate for a thinner edge) and also a distinguished yelman (the raised part on the back edge to deliver more devastating cuts). Note that yelman is an old feature which made a reappearance on these blades.

The restoration was done by Oriental Arms.

The whole sword before restoration

By courtesy of Oriental Arms

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:06 am Post subject:

As you see the grip scales had been attacked by insects and therefore you can see holes there.

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:08 am Post subject:

Note that the blade is of mechanical damascus type of "Turkish twisted star". This feature is only seen on Ottoman pieces which makes the blade scraem "Made in Turkey!!!"

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:09 am Post subject:

One more picture of the pattern, note that this post and pics are new and are posted first here Happy

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:10 am Post subject:

Look at the traditional wire stitching on the back of the scabbard

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:13 am Post subject:

The saber after restoration.

By courtesy of Oriental Arms

"The blade is forged from five strips of twisted steel known as Turkish star welded to each other. The pattern of each strip is slightly different from the other (a random results that much depends on the bladesmith skills). The whole combination of strips is known as "Turkish Ribbon" and was very common in the better blades of Yataghans and Kilijes as from the 17 C. (and may be earlier). The upper part of the blade (seen darker on the photos) is plain high carbon steel. The combination of high carbon steel spine and pattern welded blade body gave the blade good combination of hardness and flexibility. Therestoration included re-welding of the cracked brass fittings (leaving very few un welded as the restorer usually does, in order to pay respect to the sword age) , polishing and etching of the blade and filling few beetle cavities in the grip horn"

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:15 am Post subject:

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:16 am Post subject:

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:17 am Post subject:

Look at the marvellous pattern

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 7:18 am Post subject:

The restored grip

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 8:55 am Post subject:

Thanks for the photos Mannoucher. That's a fine old sword, and happens to be one of my favorite patterns for this type.

Things like this always remind me how fascinating the world of middle eastern arms is.

Russ Ellis · Industry Professional

Very cool Manoucher, thanks for showing us this stuff. Where did you pick up the piece initially if I might ask?

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 10:09 am Post subject:

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 10:10 am Post subject:

Andrew Winston

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 12:04 pm Post subject:

Andrew!

This is another Kilic!!!!! The one Artzi posted on your site is TOTOALLY aDIFFERENT one! Look and compare! I handled both!!

Andrew Winston · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 12:10 pm Post subject:

Ah! You are absolutely correct, Manoucher! Sorry for the misunderstanding. Happy

Both are very nice weapons.

I envy you the opportunity to meet with Artzi and handle these. Hopefully, I'll make it to Timonium this year.

Andrew

Andrew Winston · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 12:13 pm Post subject:

Manoucher, what do you make of the fact that the kilic I posted has dyed cow horn scales, but is clearly an extremely fine weapon, with an incredible pattern-welded blade and gold koftgari? Seems incongruous to me.

Andrew

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 12:13 pm Post subject:

This is the kilic posted on your site with painted cow horn!!!! If you look closely at the base of the blade forte you see golden koftegari!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It would be nice to look andsee before making an unqualified statement!

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sat 06 Dec, 2003 12:17 pm Post subject:

Andrew

It seems that you have a chip on your shoulders Wink

! Anyhow I was offered both Kilices for sale by Artzi months ago and we have been discussing them very closely.

Regrads

Manoucher