New member with a sword for review

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Angus1783

Hello to all,

I have lurked here for a while and decided to post this shamshir for review.
In hopes maybe that someone here could decipher what is written on the blade, I know that it wont be a prize winner !! however it at least to me is interesting to look at , the Leather of the scabbard is in rather poor condition and is cracked with age and not being stored properly, this may have however helped to preserve the blade. thank you in advance for taking the time to have a look at it, Kris..

Is this not an Ottoman Shamshir? My first impression and in considering what happened to the weapon~ has it been in a fire? The Hilt looks part roasted The scabbard may have fire damage but appears to be sharkskin? The fuirniture is blackened (fire damage?)... The blade is saying Wootz but I cannot be sure as it looks rough. The hilt which could be Rhino has nails hammered into it and has deep scratch damage in places..The cross guard looks like it got hit with a dremmel wire brush....

The script looks like Allah with the addition underneath of the Talismanic "Bismullah wa Rehman wa Rahim"..The second smaller Cartouch is the Islamic date 1209. If you believe the date it indicates ABOUT 215 years old...(1253 = 1850 for quick referencing)

See http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/a...1-details.aspx for another Ottoman Shamshir.

Regards and welcome to the Forum...Ibrahiim al Balooshi.