The sword is a lengthy piece of armor that can be used for ripping, thrusting, and gashing. Swords have been utilized by humans for hundreds of years, and they still play an important role in conflict, tonality, and innovative revelries. Edges are available in many shapes and sizes, ranging from the small Roman gladius to the longer, curved Japanese katana.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the ancient history of Swords as well as the World’s Top 10 Most expensive swords.
List Of The 10 Most Expensive Swords Ever Made
- Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword, 1782-1799 – $17.3 million
- 18th Century Boateng Saber – $7.7 million
- Napoleon Bonaparte’s Gold-Encrusted Sword – $6.4 million
- 15th-Century Nasrid Period Ear-Dagger – $5.9 million
- Shah Jahan’s Kard Dagger – $3.3 million
- The Gem of the Orient Knife – $2.1 million
- Shah Jahan’s Sardonyx Khanjar – $2 million
- Ceremonial Sword of the Nizam of Hyderabad – $1.9 million
- Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War Presentation Sword – $1.6 million
- Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife – $ 1.2 million
1. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword, 1782-1799 – $17.3 million
In late May 2023, Tipu Sultan’s famous sword was sold for a staggering $17.3 million (£14 million) at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale in London. This sword, considered the greatest of all Tipu Sultan’s weapons still in private hands, was seized from his palace after the fall of Seringapatam on 4th May 1799.
Tipu Sultan kept this sword by his side while sleeping, along with a pair of pistols, due to his constant state of alert. The sword, inscribed with “The Sword of the Ruler,” was crafted by Mughal swordsmiths, inspired by German blades introduced to India in the 16th century. Its hilt, inlaid with gold calligraphy, adds to its undeniable magnificence.
2. 18th Century Boateng Saber – $7.7 million
The 18th-century Boateng saber, the second most expensive sword in the world, was sold at auction twice—first for $5.93 million in 2006 and then for $7.7 million in 2008. This Chinese saber, crafted during Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1735–1796), features a blade inscribed with “Bao Teng,” meaning “Soaring Precious.”
It has a white jade handle adorned with decorative leaves and a steel blade embellished with copper, silver, and gold. The single-edged, slightly curved blade, ideal for slashing, showcases deadly practicality and exquisite craftsmanship, making it a weapon worthy of a powerful ruler.
3. Napoleon Bonaparte’s Gold-Encrusted Sword – $6.4 million
Napoleon Bonaparte’s gold-encrusted sword, auctioned for over $6.4 million, features a 32-inch curved blade inspired by Mameluke swords from his Egyptian campaign. Napoleon, not yet emperor, wielded this sword in the 1800 Battle of Marengo, where he secured a decisive victory, solidifying his power in France.
In 1804, Napoleon became emperor and later gifted the sword to his brother, passing it through generations of the Bonaparte family. Due to internal family disputes, the sword was auctioned off, with conditions requiring it to remain in France for part of each year. Declared a national treasure by France in 1978, the sword is a significant piece of Napoleonic history.
4. 15th-Century Nasrid Period Ear-Dagger – $5.9 million
The 15th-century Nasrid period ear-dagger from Spain recognized for its large circular ears, was sold for about $5.9 million. The Nasrids, the last Muslim dynasty in Spain, ruled Granada until 1492. This dagger, possibly a pseudo-Arab regalia made after the fall of the last Muslim Kingdom, features Arabic and Latin inscriptions on the ears, with hunting scenes in gold overlay on the blade and grip.
The blade’s forte depicts a crossbow-armed figure chasing animals, symbolizing Castile-Leon’s role in conquering the Muslim south. Ear daggers, originating from North Africa, were popular among nobles in 15th and 16th-century Spain.
5. Shah Jahan’s Kard Dagger – $3.3 million
Shah Jahan’s jade-hilted card dagger, a masterpiece of Mughal art, was sold for over $3.3 million. The dagger features a straight, single-edged blade worn on the left side of the belt, possibly created or influenced by European lapidaries at the Mughal court. In a Mughal painting, Prince Khurram, the future Shah Jahan, is depicted with a card dagger featuring a carved human head pommel, possibly inspired by cherubs or a young European man. The blade bears the inscription sahib qiran Thani, meaning “Second Lord of the Auspicious Conjunction,” a title of Shah Jahan, and includes an Indian chhatri motif associated with divinity or royalty.
6. The Gem of the Orient Knife – $2.1 million
The Gem of the Orient knife, designed by American custom knife-maker Buster Warenski in 1966, is a masterpiece adorned with 9 diamonds, 153 emeralds, and 32 oz. of 18k gold for both the handle and blade. Featured on the cover of Blade Magazine in August 1991, this knife is renowned for its craftsmanship, creativity, and exquisite design. Originally believed to be worth $1.5 million, it was later sold for $2.1 million, making it one of the highest-quality art knives in the world.
7. Shah Jahan’s Sardonyx Khanjar – $2 million
Shah Jahan’s sardonyx khanjar, dating from around 1629-1630, is one of the most famous daggers of the Mughal emperor, sold for over $2 million at Bonham’s auction house. Known for its sardonyx hilt, the khanjar has a double-edged, curved blade with detailed inscriptions, including Shah Jahan’s name, title, and date and place of manufacture.
Made in Akbarabad during his 2nd regnal year, 1039, the dagger describes him as the “conqueror of the world” and “defender of religion.” This khanjar reflects the Mughal artistic peak under Shah Jahan’s patronage.
8. Ceremonial Sword of the Nizam of Hyderabad – $1.9 million
The Ceremonial Sword of the Nizam of Hyderabad, adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, was sold for over $1.9 million. The Nizams, who ruled Hyderabad from 1724 to 1948, used such swords to symbolize military prowess and power during royal processions. This sword features an inscribed steel blade, a gold hilt, silver mounting, and a design typical of South India, where ornate swords were common in the late 19th century.
9. Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War Presentation Sword – $1.6 million
When Ulysses S. Grant was made General in Chief of the U.S. Army in 1864, Kentucky citizens gave him a gift—the Civil War Presentation Sword. The gold-and-silver sword has a silver grip designed like the goddess Victory with an American eagle standing above her. It has 26 mine-cut diamonds spelling “U.S.G.” on a huge amethyst. Battle scenes have been cut on the 33-inch blade, representing Grant’s role in the Union’s victory. In 2007, this historic sword sold $1.6 million at auction.
10. Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife – $ 1.2 million
The Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife, featuring a steel blade with a Qianlong reign mark, was sold for around $1.2 million at Sotheby’s. In the painting Taking a Stag with a Mighty Arrow, the Qianlong emperor is depicted wearing a similar knife while hunting. Initially used as hunting weapons, these knives became part of Manchu ceremonial attire, holding symbolic importance.
The knife has an antelope horn hilt and a rhinoceros horn scabbard, adorned with turquoise cabochons and intricate carvings of dragons, waves, leaves, and florets, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the Palace Workshop.
Also Read – Top 10 Most Expensive Nuts in the World
Conclusion:
These extraordinary swords and daggers, each with its unique history and craftsmanship, highlight the rich heritage of weaponry and art. From Tipu Sultan’s opulent sword to the exquisite Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife, these pieces represent not only the power and prestige of their owners but also the meticulous artistry of their creators. Their staggering prices underscore their unparalleled significance in the world of historical artifacts.