Lot 186308: Saroyan Mastercrafts Dragon Scimitar, Chrome/Gold-Tone, Belly Dance Prop

Auction

Estate Auction: Multiple-Estate Liquidation Roseville, CA (191)

Lot Number

186308

Status

Sold

Hammer / Price

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Opening Bid

$5.00

Accepted Bids

23

Closed

3/19/26 7:03 PM PT

Description

A Saroyan Mastercrafts "Dragon" scimitar balancing sword in the chrome finish blade with gold-tone handle variant, measuring 34.5 inches in length. The cast brass hilt features a dragon or serpent-head pommel and creature motifs on the guard, with a ribbed grip under gold-tone plating. The high-carbon steel blade carries a chrome finish and is etched along its length with floral and scroll patterns; the maker's name appears on the blade in a stylized English typeface designed to evoke Arabic calligraphy. Saroyan Mastercrafts, founded by Harry Saroyan (d. 2023) in Riverside, California, has operated for over fifty years as a specialist manufacturer of finger cymbals (zills) and performance props for the Middle Eastern dance community. Saroyan, a metallurgist and tool design engineer, engineered these scimitars with a specific point of balance and blunted edge to facilitate head-balancing routines in Danse Orientale; the swords are often cited as a standard among professional belly dancers. This example dates to approximately the 1970s through 1990s production period. The name "AMARA" is inscribed in blue ink on the blade near the ricasso, possibly identifying a previous owner associated with the belly dance community. The lot includes original Saroyan Mastercrafts ephemera: a printed care instruction card referencing Scotch Brite and WD-40 for chrome maintenance, a customer appreciation letter, and a small devotional card — all characteristic enclosures from the firm's shipments. Condition is good, consistent with use; minor surface scratches are visible on the blade, and the blue ink inscription remains legible.