EBay Syrian Sword (retitled "Question" thread)

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

...Now the question of course is the age of the koftgari. Alex has mentioned he believes it is not original to the sword. The slightly crudish cross hatching makes me suspicious. I am not sure, but even if it is not original to the sword, it surely was not applied "yesterday" based on all the gunk I had to get off the blade...

Charles,
The cross-hatchings do not look unusually crude and long (based on new close-ups). The reason I originally thought they're new was because I saw very similar work in Damascus, i.e. large and clear stamps, and no visible loss to gold. Now, after looking closely at your pictures, it is NOT that obvious. Next week I'll show them to my coftgari-maker friend and he'll be able to determine the age. He's quite good at it. I'll let you know.

[sabertasche]

BEAUTIFUL!

Greg

[ariel]

Charles,
I knew you would be right!
Good bet!
Congratulations!

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by ALEX

Charles,
... I'll show them to my coftgari-maker friend and he'll be able to determine the age. He's quite good at it. I'll let you know.

Charles,
I finally have some info for you. The sword was made in Damascus and one of the local swordsmiths remembers it !!!! Moreover, he claimed it was made by his father probably in 1920s (I am talking about the fittings and coftgari of course. The blade is 18/19 cent). He showed me another of his father works, but with later Indian blade (I attach the pictures, and the coftgari and the stamp look quite similar). Now, when I told him the price you paid, he almost cried, and offered me way more. This quality of work is no longer produced in Damascus, and, if found, is very expensive. Anyway, I just wanted to share the info with you and to demonstrate that you're a clear winner with this wonderful sword. Congrats again.