LOL, I should have been a newspaper hack!
Here is a link to a discussion on a sword I've had for years:
Unusual Shamshir
Anyway, as was mentioned, it has a strange 'European' style blade with an Arabic Cartouche.
I've never really thought the blade was anything, which is why it's taken until now for me to get around to doing anything to it.
I think you'll agree the results are a bit of a shock.
Is this ladder pattern? It seems to have regular bands about a centimeter apart.
I'm scratching my head over this one! Help/comment appreciated!
Best
Gene