Wootz Shamshir For Discussion

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

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.

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.