Is this rhino horn on Shamshir handle
 

Hi
I just purchased the 3 swords below
I wanted the Pulwar and the 2 Shamshir came in a job lot with the Pulwar
I bought at an auction using auctioneers photos so it was only the Pulwar I was really looking at and brushed over the shamshirs
I have no idea what rhino horn looks like but on examination it looks like it might be horn or antler, the fibrous look where the handle on one is cracked made me think perhaps rhino?
I had intending having a look for a cross guard to complete one of the swords but if they are rhino horn I would be more hesitant on messing around with the swords.
I am presently removing the active rust off the Pulwar and I use diesel and oooo wire wool but if the handle is rhino horn on the shamshirs then I would have to amend my technique to preserve the horn
Any help or advice much appreciated

Regards
Ken

Hi Ken,

Judging from the pictures, the material is IMO most likely rhinoceros horn.


Cheers, - Thor

I'll second Thor's opinion.

Yeah looks like it to me..

Yes, I think too rhino horn,

You'll have to dismantle the rhino hilt grips !

Thanks guys for the information and confirmation
I assume this elevates these swords into something more than the junk pile I wa going to commit them to
And this would probably mean the blades are of reasonable quality if they have rhino
I will stick with the Pulwar clean up and once that is finished I will start to study the Shamshir blades.
I am competent enough at repairs so I might have a go at getting one of these swords back into order but I like to stick to one job at a time and as I said the Pulwar was the item I actually wanted
Best regards
Ken

Handle material and blade quality do not go hand in hand.
Seems to me that both shamshirs have pretty standard European mid/end 19 century blades. I guess that rhino handles are the only interesting spare parts.
If you decide to part with the intact pair, be good and let me know: I need to repair an old pala.