Saber

hilt, 19th century; blade, late 18th–19th century
Not on view
The blade is an example of sophisticated forging. The split tip alludes to Dhu'l- faqar, the sword of the Prophet (also known as the sword of 'Ali), which was believed to have had two points. Appropriately, the blade of this example is inscribed in Arabic: “There is no fata [heroic young man] like 'Ali and no sword like Dhu'l-faqar.”

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saber
  • Date: hilt, 19th century; blade, late 18th–19th century
  • Culture: hilt, Turkish or North African; blade, Iranian
  • Medium: Steel, horn, gold
  • Dimensions: L. 41 1/8 in. (105 cm); L. of blade 35 13/16 in. (91 cm); W. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 15 oz. (878.8 g)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1977

  • Object Number: 1977.162.7
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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