19c Kilij/Pala Saber with Twisted Steel Blade.

Twisted steel or twisted core steel is a pattern welded steel results from welding of several twisted rods of steel layers of varying strength. It appears already in the 9-10th C. on Viking swords and reached its peak in the Ottoman empire in the 17-19 C. also known as "Turkish ribbon". It was extensively used for Yataghans and Kilij Blades and gun barrels.

The Kilij is the traditional saber of the Ottomans. It was in use from the early 17 C. and during more than 300 years well into the 20th C. A later version appeared in the mid 18 Century with a shorter deeply curved wide blade known as Pala.

Offered here a fine and beautiful Kilij/Pala sword with a blade forged from seven rows of twisted steel that forms the pattern of the Turkish Ribbon. The hilt of classical form is made of silver cross guard, horn grips and silver grip strap.

Blade 28 inches (71cm) long. Total length 33 inches (84 cm). Very good condition. No scabbard.