Print Mameluke of Constantinople, The Military Costume of Turkey, 1818, Print

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This print is from 'The Military Costume of Turkey. Illustrated by A Series of Engravings. from Drawings made on the … Read more This print is from 'The Military Costume of Turkey. Illustrated by A Series of Engravings. from Drawings made on the Spot. Dedicated by Permission to His Excellency the Minister of the Ottoman Porte to his Britannic Majesty.' London, Published by Thomas M'Lean, Haymarket, (1818). Folio. One of 29 fine handcoloured aquatint plates . Very light offsetting from plate. The original accompanying text of this print is as follows: 'The origin and nature of the discipline of the Mamelukes of Egypt are described. The present subject represents one of a corps similarly organized at Constantinople. The form of the scimiter used by the Mamelukes, which is very crooked, appears singular, and at first glance very inadequate to the effect which in their hands it produces; but it should be considered, that a straight blade as it acts merely from pressure; its effect is limited to the place and moment of its fall; whereas one that is crooked, presenting its edge in retiring, slides by the effort of the arm, and continues its action longer; it is, therefore, perhaps at least as much owing to this crooked form, combined with the keenness and temper of their weapons; as to their strength and dexterity in the use of them; that the Mamelukes can cut a clew of wet cotton like a piece of butter.' See less