Help Identify Ottoman Shamshir Sword

[explorer6970]

This sword has been in our family for two generations as part of an Ottoman antique collection. I would welcome information about this sword, specifically a translation of the writing on the blade, and general comments about its origin and date. The sword is 42" long and weighs about 1 KG. The wood-lined sheath is about 36" long and appears to be missing something that fastened at the top (see pics).

I just discovered this group so pardon my lack of knowledge. Cheers, Hank

[Rick]

Let's see now ....

The hilt is from Rhino horn .
The blade is crucible steel also known as wootz or johar .
The steel has been manipulated into a pattern known as 'Mohammed's Ladder' .
The scabbard looks complete from what I can see and has most likely silver fittings along with the guard .
An extremely nice and rare example of the form; quite valuable, but we don't discuss price publicly here .

Simply beautiful !

Thanks for sharing .

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by explorer6970

The sword is 42" long and weighs about 1 KG. The wood-lined sheath is about 36" long and appears to be missing something that fastened at the top (see pics).

I just discovered this group so pardon my lack of knowledge. Cheers, Hank

Originally Posted by Rick

Let's see now ....

The hilt is from Rhino horn .
The blade is crucible steel also known as wootz or johar .
The steel has been manipulated into a pattern known as 'Mohammed's Ladder' .
The scabbard looks complete from what I can see and has most likely silver fittings along with the guard .
An extremely nice and rare example of the form; quite valuable, but we don't discuss price publicly here .

Simply beautiful !

Thanks for sharing .

Very nice, what do you think is missing?

[RSWORD]

There would typically be a metal flap that would cover the scabbard opening at the top of the throat. It usually was thin and flimsy and on most scabbards thus feature is lost. He probably is noticing the remaining hinge but without "dust cover".

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by RSWORD

There would typically be a metal flap that would cover the scabbard opening at the top of the throat. It usually was thin and flimsy and on most scabbards thus feature is lost. He probably is noticing the remaining hinge but without "dust cover".

Interesting, I can not remember if I have seen this feature before, do you (or anyone else) have an image of an intact scabbard dust cover?

[explorer6970]

Originally Posted by estcrh

Interesting, I can not remember if I have seen this feature before, do you (or anyone else) have an image of an intact scabbard dust cover?

Attached is a picture I found on the internet depicting an intact scabbard. Mine is missing.

Hope someone can translate the writing and provide an estimate of age.