Russian (?) shamshir

[eftihis]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220102720906&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012

WHere is this from? It doesnt look Russian to me!

[ALEX]

... It doesnt look Russian to me!

Me neither. Decorations look like bedouin type.

[S.Al-Anizi]

Never seen anything like it. Caucasian perhaps?

[ariel]

Not Caucasian and not Russian: far too crude.
I am intrigued by the lower" langet": looks like a piece of flat metal with rudimentary embellishments.
Overall, I think it is Arabian, but not of a sophisticated origin: Bedouin souds about right. The blade looks military. Any markings?

[Tim Simmons]

It was far from cheap. You can get some pretty smart stuff in better condition for that price :eek: .

[Jeff D]

Hi All,

The blade and scabbard are from a British 1803. Hilt ????

Hope this helps.
Jeff

[ariel]

It was far from cheap. You can get some pretty smart stuff in better condition for that price :eek: .
"Cheap"? The word never passed my lips! :D

"Of provincial manufacture" would be about right.

[Jim McDougall]

I agree with Jeff, this appears to be a military 'mameluke' form sabre for officers, probably British, and from the c.1803 period he notes. The blade distinctly reflects the 'hatchet' point blades of the British M1796 light cavalry sabres.
It should be noted that the British presence in Arabia around the Gulf of Aden was well established and it would seem quite likely that many British weapons were available. Many British officers had thier dress swords furbished in the many outfitters that had shops there (much as in the British Raj in India) so I think Ariels use of the term 'provincial' is in degree well applied.

I agree that the decoration that embellishes this sabre has most likely been added to appeal to prospective Arabian traders for associated markets.

Interesting 19th century piece !!

All the best,
Jim