Sword (Yatagan) with Scabbard
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Steel, silver, wood, lacquer
Dimensions
L. with scabbard 29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm); L. without scabbard 26 5/8 in. (67.6 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 0.2 oz. (459.3 g); Wt. of scabbard 13.5 oz. (382.7 g)
Classification
Swords
Culture
Turkish
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.1334a, b
Art Historical Context
This elegant yatagan sword with scabbard exemplifies 19th-century Turkish arms craftsmanship from the Ottoman Empire. The yatagan, a distinctive single-edged blade with a dramatic upswept tip and integrated hilt—lacking a traditional crossguard—was favored by Ottoman infantry and cavalry for its balance and slashing power. Measuring nearly 30 inches with its scabbard, this weapon combines functionality with artistry, reflecting the martial culture of the era when such swords symbolized status and valor. Crafted from steel for the blade, adorned with silver, and featuring a wooden scabbard coa...