Interesting Saif with Provenance for Sharing
Hello All,
I recently acquired this saif. Its one of my finer examples, with fittings made of gold, and with a chape made from a layer of silver under a layer of gold. Its in traditional style, an early 20th century sword, likely commissioned by the Saudi government rather than a pre-Saudi saif.
The blade is interesting, at a glimpse it looks European but I have a 'feeling' that its not. It simply does not feel (yes feel) like any of the European blades in my collection. Unless someone here can recognize the pattern?
This sword was gifted by the Saudi government to Wilton Persons, the white house chief of staff during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. These are not made to be gifted, rather made for use in the Saudi government at that era, and these are mainly carried by the royal guard seen in many photos. Although such examples are older than the formation of the Saudi state, this one as mentioned before, is likely made during the early years of Saud rule.
Sorry about the poor quality photos. Taken by cell phone.
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