Tabarzin 18th Century Persian War Ax

This ax is a Persian “Tabarzin” or “saddle axe”. Unlike many examples dating from the second half of the 19th century, which are very light and often a little crudely decorated, it is a real weapon, whose handle is carefully worked, instead of being a simple tube circular section as on late models.
The dating of these weapons is sometimes difficult, but we can reasonably date this one to the half, or perhaps the last third of the 18th century. The quality of execution of this object is evident.
 HEAD OF THE AX: It is of the typical shape of the period, with a wide crescent-shaped edge, the points of which go up almost to the handle, and opposite the edge, a flat part called a "hammer".
The side faces of the ax are decorated with engraved inscriptions, which (alas!) I cannot translate, and with a bird.
The part of the head which surrounds the handle is also decorated with a bird
On the hammer, we find the representation of Ali (Ali Bin Ali Talib), the first cousin of Muhammad, 4th caliph of Islam and 1st caliph for the Shi'ites. (“I am the key to knowledge, Ali is the door” the Prophet is said to have said).
Width of the cutting edge 22.3 cm height of the hammer edge = 16.3 cm
THE HANDLE : It is made of iron, worked in several ways: first twisted, then with 9 facets, the number 9 being the symbol of the omnipotence of Allah, then 9 larger facets, then another twisted part, again the facets and finally a twisted part
This axe, which is a badge of power, is of a quality which should allow it to find a place of choice in a collection of oriental weapons.
Shipping costs: France = free, Western Europe €40, Worldwide = contact me.
Ref G-2446