Weird numbers on a shamshir

fearn · 26th October 2009, 07:50 PM

Not some sort of accession or armory numbering?

erlikhan · 27th October 2009, 01:26 PM

Existence of a sequency makes me ignore armoury numbering possibility. Plus it would be a too many digit number. Overall it doesnt make any sense to me. I wouldnt care if I saw it on a paper,but who would spend time to spoil a good blade and engrave a beautiful but nonsense inscription on hard steel? I hope to learn if the sequency means anything special in any culture or religion.

Jim McDougall · 27th October 2009, 09:49 PM

Locker combination?

Seriously though, as noted these numbers seem out of line and inconsistant with armouries or inventories, which typically had some type of stamp with symbol or marking it seems. This blade seems very much like European cavalry sabre blades of early 19th century, and as is well known, European officers favored these Ottoman style 'mameluke' hilts. It seems that this period would be in close proximity with talismanic numerology which was in varying degree popular through the 18th century, and well known earlier as well. Perhaps these numbers are used in such a cryptic arrangement with this being a European officers sword.

Alternatively, the Ottoman army was becoming quite European influenced during the 19th century, perhaps this might be a sabre with a European blade from that circumstance.

Best regards,
Jim

ariel · 27th October 2009, 10:34 PM

Interestingly, the crossguard is made of iron, while the Ottomans favoured brass or ( in the Arabian parts of the Empire) they used a lot of silver.

Michael Blalock · 28th October 2009, 08:56 PM

Maybe an early form of Sudoko. It does have all nine digits. Talismanic.

Royston · 30th October 2009, 05:56 PM

How about a date 12-3-56
I.E 12th March 1856

Followed by a 4 digit armoury number 8974

Roy

Jim McDougall · 30th October 2009, 07:29 PM

Bonk!!!!

Uh..Royston, that makes too much sense!!! Theres gotta be something mystical here .
Well done!!!
All the best,
Jim

26th October 2009, 07:50 PM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Not some sort of accession or armory numbering?

27th October 2009, 01:26 PM	#2
erlikhan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Istanbul Posts: 452	Existence of a sequency makes me ignore armoury numbering possibility. Plus it would be a too many digit number. Overall it doesnt make any sense to me. I wouldnt care if I saw it on a paper,but who would spend time to spoil a good blade and engrave a beautiful but nonsense inscription on hard steel? I hope to learn if the sequency means anything special in any culture or religion.

27th October 2009, 09:49 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,356	Locker combination? Seriously though, as noted these numbers seem out of line and inconsistant with armouries or inventories, which typically had some type of stamp with symbol or marking it seems. This blade seems very much like European cavalry sabre blades of early 19th century, and as is well known, European officers favored these Ottoman style 'mameluke' hilts. It seems that this period would be in close proximity with talismanic numerology which was in varying degree popular through the 18th century, and well known earlier as well. Perhaps these numbers are used in such a cryptic arrangement with this being a European officers sword. Alternatively, the Ottoman army was becoming quite European influenced during the 19th century, perhaps this might be a sabre with a European blade from that circumstance. Best regards, Jim

27th October 2009, 10:34 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Interestingly, the crossguard is made of iron, while the Ottomans favoured brass or ( in the Arabian parts of the Empire) they used a lot of silver.

28th October 2009, 08:56 PM	#5
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	Maybe an early form of Sudoko. It does have all nine digits. Talismanic.

30th October 2009, 05:56 PM	#6
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	How about a date 12-3-56 I.E 12th March 1856 Followed by a 4 digit armoury number 8974 Roy

30th October 2009, 07:29 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,356	Bonk!!!! Uh..Royston, that makes too much sense!!! Theres gotta be something mystical here . Well done!!! All the best, Jim