A magnificent sabre with shagreen covered scabbard, belonging to Khedive Muhammad Tawfiq (1852-92), Egypt, second half 19th century

VAT reduced rateUK: Greenford Park Warehouse

Estimate

40,000 - 60,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the gold hilt with inverted quillon and scrolling handle, set with diamonds in floral and foliate designs, bearing coat of arms, set with a grooved and slightly curved blade, the forte with gold damascening, the green shagreen covered wooden scabbard with gold fittings, the fittings with chased decoration, the oval gold buckle on velvet-trimmed belt set with diamonds in the form of a rosette, in a wooden box bearing the monogram of Abbas Hilmi II

99.5cm. length with scabbard

This diamond-encrusted ceremonial sword belonged to Muhammad Tawfiq Pasha who was the Khedive (or Viceroy) of Egypt and Sudan between 1879 and 1892. He was the eldest son of Khedive Isma’il Pasha, also known as Ismail the Magnificent. Isma’il Pasha was granted a firman by his cousin, the Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz, for the use of the title of ‘Khedive’ in place of ‘Wali’ (Governor) and for the title to be passed down to his direct descendants. Unlike his siblings who were educated in Europe, Tawfik spent his childhood in Egypt but spoke fluent French and English. As Khedive, he took a keen interest in education, farming and legal affairs of the country. After his death in 1892, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Abbas Hilmi II (r.1892-1914) who ruled as the last Khedive of Egypt and Sudan.

For a presentation sword from Sultan Abdulaziz to Khedive Isma’il Pasha in the present sale, see lot 244. For a British sabre belonging to Khedive Abbas Hilmi II, see the following lot, no.242.

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