A rare sword from the Mamluk Arsenal at Alexandria is to provide the biggest draw at Bonhams' forthcoming Antique Arms & Armour auction.
 The sword is one of five to bear the name of Amir Faris |
The Italian-made later 14th century sword is thought to have originally been gifted to the Mamluk rulers of Alexandria from an unknown source in a 15th century treaty.
Its inscription reads: "Donation to the armoury in the frontier city of Alexandria in the days of al-Sayfi Faris al- [Muhammadi]".
It is one of only five known swords that feature the name of Amir Faris, who was an inspector in the city between 1436 and 1437.
It is believed to have been removed from the armoury at a much later date.
The sword was once part of the illustrious collection of EA Christensen, with more of his items also appearing in the sale. It will sell with a £40,000-60,000 ($64,182-96,242) estimate in London on November 28.
Another of the five Amir Faris swords, bearing a semi-legible inscription, sold for £97,250 ($157,000) at Sotheby's in 2010.
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