The Karabela sword is a rare scimitar from the Ottoman Empire and east Europe. It appears on the battle field in the late 17 C. and was in use up to the 19 C. This one is Turkish, 18 C. The blade with a general shape of an early Kilij blade is 32 inches long, with a shallow fuller and a10 inches raised back edge. The blade is rich with gold koftgari inlay of Arabic inscriptions. The cross guard is steel with down pointing quillons and the grips are elephant ivory set with green stones (one missing). The later 19C. (?) scabbard is covered with blue velvet (recent) and mounted with silver mounts. Total length 39 inches. Very good condition. Minor pitted spots and edge nicks. Very impressive sword.