Dagger from the Gun Set of Mahmud I

Description This is part of the so-called "Turkish Hunting Set" consisting of the Ottoman gun (Walters 51.84) and various accessories contained within a large Parisian case (Walters 64.165). The dagger fits inside a compartment in the butt of the gun. The steel blade is false damascened with gold wire, a technique called "koftgari", to create foliate patterns and two partly legible Turkish couplet inscriptions. Two long sections of the blade are cut through, so that the middle section stands free and ends in a triangular leaf shaped section studded with gems. The grip, guard, and pommel are gilded silver, set emeralds and rubies, and engraved with abstract designs.

Conservation

Examined and cleaned in preparation for exhibition.

Examined and cleaned in preparation for exhibition.

Date	Description	Narrative
12/31/1969	Examination	Examined, cleaned
12/31/1969	Treatment	Examined, cleaned
6/04/1987	Treatment	repaired
10/03/2001	Treatment	cleaned

Exhibitions

• Pearls on a String: Artists, Patrons, and Poets at the Great Islamic Courts. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 2015-2016.

Provenance Robert S. Pardo, Istanbul; purchased by Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1903; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

Inscriptions [Transcription] 2 partly legible Turkish couplets

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1903