Images(4)

Mameluke Sabre

AssociatedAssociated with Brigadier Frost Pasha (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1838 - 1902)

Date1831-1900

Object NameSword

Mediumsteel; brass; leather; bone

ClassificationsWeaponry

DimensionsOverall: Length: 94.5 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1937 by H M Frost.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS011656

Keywords

Edged

About MePlain curved sword in leather and brass sheath, dating to 19th century, owned by Brigadier General Frost Pasha of Turkey. This model combines a Turkish sabre model with apparently a later European-style blade, being known as a hybrid sword called "Mameluke". This type of sabre became very popular for light cavalry officers, in both France and Britain, and became a fashionable sword for senior officers to wear. In 1831, the "Mameluke", became a regulation pattern for British general officers (the 1831 Pattern, still in use today). Although some genuine Turkish kilij sabres were used by Westerners, most "mameluke sabres" were manufactured in Europe; their hilts were very similar in form to the Ottoman prototype; however, their blades - even when an expanded yelman was incorporated - tended to be longer, narrower and less curved than those of the true kilij. Frost Pasha's sword has steel blade with kilij type features and multiple fullers. The bone hilt presents drooping quillons and pistol grip shaped pommel. The leather covered sheath displays a front locket marked with the crescent moon and star. The reverse of the scabbard seems sewn with copper wire.