Shamshir origin and age help.

[10thRoyal]

Thank y'all very much for your input. Is there any hallmarks that help with determining age of a shamshir? I know the basics of identifying place of origin but to me there doesn't seem to be much change in form over the past couple centuries.

The edge of the scales doesn't seem to match up quite well enough with the tang for me to think the grip was original.

Also, any rules on applying mink oil or conditioner to the scabbard to keep it from cracking or drying out further?

[10thRoyal]

Oh it is more than I could have hoped for

[Rick]

In your top photo of the blade the wootz pattern seems to fade out. Is this because you didn't etch that far and that's the reason? Or could it be a scarf weld perhaps?

[10thRoyal]

Originally Posted by Rick

In your top photo of the blade the wootz pattern seems to fade out. Is this because you didn't etch that far and that's the reason? Or could it be a scarf weld perhaps?

This was the state it was in when I received it, so it looks like an old etching. There doesn't seem to be an obvious scarf weld so my guess is that is just where the scabbard has been rubbing.