A fine and rare example, the finely-wrought iron hilt of Delhi form covered entirely in delicate gold inlay in vinework motifs. The massive single-edged blade of classic form, tapering continuously to the acute tip and forged of superior Kara Taban (brilliant black) Persian wootz damascus steel of Ladder Pattern type with original finish throughout. At the right forte two inlaid inscriptions, the first with the Imperial Parasol, found on blades of the highest quality kept in the Arsenal of the Grand Mughal, with the Arabic inscription, O 'ALI! above a cartouche containing the names of his sons, the heroes HASSAN, HUSSEIN. In its silk velvet-covered wooden scabbard bound with gilt braid. Second half of the 17th century. Formerly in the collection of Leo S. Figiel and bearing his collection number, A-252 on the underside of the pommel. Dr. Figiel authored the noted work, ON DAMASCUS STEEL, 1991, Atlantis Press. The Figiel Collection of antique arms sold at Butterfield & Butterfield in San Francisco in 1998, bringing record prices for Islamic and South Asian arms. Overall length 95.8 cm, blade 82 cm. Condition I