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. The shorter version with deeply curved wide blade and T spine is a later version and appeared in the mid 18 Century. This piece is probably late 19 C. The blade is 27 inches long, well-curved with a pronounced 10 inches backedge and a T spine. It is forged from Turkish watered steel (Damascus) also known as Sham. The blade is decorated with gold koftgary inlay on both sides of the blade, and on the spine. The classical hilt made of brass cross guard, horn grips and brass grip strap. The wood scabbard is leather covered stitched with the correct spiral stitching and mounted with big brass locket and chape All brass mountings are delicately engraved. Total length in scabbard 33 inchesGood condition to its age. The blade has few age cracks (one repaired) very minor stained spots near the tip. The grips show some age crack and signs of old repairs. There are few dents and cracks in the brass mounts. All together a very impressive sword.