A very interesting Shamshir sword, seemingly Turkish from its decoration but with Persian characteristics. Good quality swept curving blade with fullers and panels of applied thick silver in scrolling designs. The patina is dark, presumably originally kept this way to contrast with the silver embellishment, it does appear that the blade is wootz steel from slight signs of watering within the fuller areas. The hilt and crosspiece of silver decorated steel, matching the decoration to the blade, and also en suite with the hanging bands on the scabbard. Original leather covered scabbard with wire sewn reverse seam. Age wear throughout, the tip of scabbard is scuffed and there are antique woodworm holes visible to the leather. All sound and solid throughout, dating to the earlier 19th century
middleeastern
