Wootz Shamshir For Discussion
 

So I got this shamshir from down under (thanks Gav, excellent packaging!) I am very happy with it especially after having a closer look on the inscription (looks better then photos) and found out its Assadullah alAsfahani and the top inscription says "Bandeh Welayat Shah Abbas"

The blade is obviously Persian with a nice wootz pattern. But what about the hilt? its worn out but very comfortable. One side of the hilt has a worn-out cartouche I cannot read it so far :-(

Using Gav's photos they are way better then mine.

It's a fine sword Lotfy.
Lots of even wear from many cleanings is pleasant to the eye. The Wootz pattern is attractive.
My first thought was that the 'pistol grip' hilt was in fact Indian in Persian style... But now..... I wonder.....

Nice wootz and silver hilt. Shame the cartooch is gone.

Yeps :p but I managed to read it.. So its still there :-)

That's a steel hilt isn't it?

I thought silver aswell

It's silver is it?
It looks steel grey in the pictures.
I wouldn't have guessed silver. You're sure, non-magnetic?
I'm suprised to see a silver hilt pinned like a steel hilt as well.
Well silver! That's even better!

The decoration reminds me of the cap on a shamshir that I have (which is worn steel).

Hey Gene,

Tried a magnet on it, it didnt stick so its not steel. I dont mind what material the hilt is, I am more interested from where it came from! Could be the same place that produced Indo-Arabian saifs? Hyderabad? The hilt must have looked very special back in its glorious times, there is a cartouche on the quillons but cannot read it.

Hi Lotfy

Very nice! Has lots of character and you can still see a distinctive wootz pattern. The hilt is silver so at some time it must have belonged to someone of wealth :).

You're not kidding Lew, I don't collect this type and I would love to have it! :D

Salaams A.alnakkas ~ How do you see the history on this item? I understand that the concept was initially Syrian (Damascus ) and the great master was taken from there to Persia and worked in their workshops(Royal) and this cartouche like many other masterstamps or engravings was repeated down the centuries as a mark of respect and or a prestige mark for a good blade. It would be interesting to see how you read the catrouche as it is all but obliterated though I see gold inlay in places. I have a picture somewhere of an intact cartouche and will dig it out later. See http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sho...hashka-or-what for a link on cartouche style.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hi Lotfy,

It's still a very fine sword now.
As I said before, the wear is 'pleasing' and the blade is very nice.
All that and a silver hilt! ;)

Post some close ups of the cartouche on the quillions if possible.

Hey Gene,

Forgot to take a photo! will do soon. My guess because of the hlt decoration it is a Persian type? maybe older then the 'usual' form or a one off.