1927.58.6

Persian Shamshir, 18th - 19th century, OAL 975mm. Blade: steel, L. 842mm, once fine, curved, single edged blade. Groove extending from 158mm below hilt for 575mm. Groove is bordered by narrow encised line. 100mm below hilt are two panels; first is probably a lion within a circle, second is an Arabic inscription. on left side from hilt for 148mm is an ornate arabesque engraving inlaid with gold. Hilt: steel, plain cross guard ending in hexagonal terminal knobs. Front langets end in fleur-de-lis. Grips are ivory in two pieces with a hook pommel with a steel cap in the "Karabela" style. The grips are secured at both ends with twisted wire binding. The grip straps are steel engraved and inlaid with gold. A wrist lanyard of red and gold silk is secured under the front wire binding with an extension of two tassels at the cross guard. Scabbard: wood core covered with black, grained leather embossed on right side with arabesque designs. Two undecorated steel ferrules with rigid oval hanger mounts, and a long steel chape with twisted wire binding at its juncture with the leather.

Persia

18th century, 19th century

sword, scabbard

steel, gold, ivory, silk, wood, leather