EBay Syrian Sword (retitled "Question" thread)

Andrew · 16th May 2007, 04:58 PM

I was troubled by the lack of blade close-up as well, but overall this struck me as an exceptional sword.

The winner is a sophisticated collector (and a member of this forum), who may comment further.

Tim Simmons · 16th May 2007, 07:54 PM

Although way beyond my pocket it does look jolly impressive. I personally cannot see any problem with the blade or its decoration. I like the scabbard and guard very much. I am bothered by the repair to the hilt. The brass/copper wire and clumsy lump of solder seem to show a recent restoration.

katana · 17th May 2007, 12:40 AM

An interesting sword...ornate but not 'over the top'. Have to agree with Tim about the wire work...it looks 'out of place'.

ALEX · 17th May 2007, 06:48 AM

My main argument was the fact that the gold coftgari and stamps look strickingly brand new. I've seen similar stamps being offered for $100 each in Damascus. The fittings obviously look old, and typical for the era. Perhaps there is something we did not see on the pictures, i.e. nice wootz pattern and/or old coftgari on the ridge of the blade.

Valjhun · 18th May 2007, 12:27 PM

Well, a textbook syrian shamshir. The koftgari does look new, but could be old. You can't say that for sure just from thoose poor photos.

josh stout · 18th May 2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valjhun

Well, a textbook syrian shamshir. The koftgari does look new, but could be old. You can't say that for sure just from thoose poor photos.

I am inexperienced in looking at koftgari, and as you say the pictures are not great, but to me, one side looks older and fine, while the other looks new and a bit crude.
Josh

ariel · 19th May 2007, 02:42 AM

The koftgari looks exceptionally new for an old sword. Perhaps, just like Fiegel's swords, this one spent all its life in the armory, cleaned and oiled regularly etc.

The buyer is a very experienced collector and I respect his judgement.
Hope he will show us more of the blade and answer the inevitable questions.
Congratulations with the win and all the best!

ALEX · 29th May 2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

... The buyer is a very experienced collector and I respect his judgement...

Yes, I can see it now Ariel

Charles, looking at your close-ups, the sword looks much better than what seller showed. Nice pattern! I must agree - the coftgari does not look THAT new, especially on the blade's ridge, and the quality is definitely of a high grade. Again - congratulations to you! This sword is well worth (and well over) of what you paid for it.
The stamp closer to a hilt reads: "O Sham, God protects you". The word "Sham" in this case means Syria. The long inscription means the following: "Do your best to do good deeds in life. The deeds the man does in his life stay in history even after his death. The generations which will follow will read what he/you did in his/your life".

CharlesS · 29th May 2007, 12:23 PM

Thanks very much Alex.

Yes, I was very pleased.

I am very happy to get your feedback on the koftgari, because this was a bit of a worry for me.

Thanks again.

16th May 2007, 04:58 PM	#1
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I was troubled by the lack of blade close-up as well, but overall this struck me as an exceptional sword. The winner is a sophisticated collector (and a member of this forum), who may comment further.

16th May 2007, 07:54 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Although way beyond my pocket it does look jolly impressive. I personally cannot see any problem with the blade or its decoration. I like the scabbard and guard very much. I am bothered by the repair to the hilt. The brass/copper wire and clumsy lump of solder seem to show a recent restoration.

17th May 2007, 12:40 AM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	An interesting sword...ornate but not 'over the top'. Have to agree with Tim about the wire work...it looks 'out of place'.

17th May 2007, 06:48 AM	#4
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	My main argument was the fact that the gold coftgari and stamps look strickingly brand new. I've seen similar stamps being offered for $100 each in Damascus. The fittings obviously look old, and typical for the era. Perhaps there is something we did not see on the pictures, i.e. nice wootz pattern and/or old coftgari on the ridge of the blade.

18th May 2007, 12:27 PM	#5
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	Well, a textbook syrian shamshir. The koftgari does look new, but could be old. You can't say that for sure just from thoose poor photos.

19th May 2007, 02:42 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	The koftgari looks exceptionally new for an old sword. Perhaps, just like Fiegel's swords, this one spent all its life in the armory, cleaned and oiled regularly etc. The buyer is a very experienced collector and I respect his judgement. Hope he will show us more of the blade and answer the inevitable questions. Congratulations with the win and all the best!

29th May 2007, 12:23 PM	#9
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks very much Alex. Yes, I was very pleased. I am very happy to get your feedback on the koftgari, because this was a bit of a worry for me. Thanks again.