Saber with scabbard

The exceptionally well-made Ottoman blade is dated from the early 16th century. The sparing floral decor and the extensive Arabic inscriptions in gold damascening were applied with consummate skill. Of particular importance is the inscription along the back of the blade citing Verse 256 of Surah 2 of the Qur'an, the "Throne Verse", which is regarded as especially holy. This verse has been the subject of numerous mystic interpretations and is frequently used in prayer. Correspondingly, the back of the blade also bears the cabalistic incantation "baduh". The second face of the blade is decorated with the symbol known as "Solomon's seal", a six-pointed star with a powerful talismatic significance, which on this blade is formed by six of the 99 names of God, with "Allah" at the centre. Georg Christoph Dinglinger reworked the sabre and gave it its current appearance.