shamshir:persian or turkish? good or not?

Philip · 23rd March 2008, 03:12 AM

From just looking at the photos and without the benefit of measurements, the blade seems to have the curvature and narrowness typical of late pieces. Adding 130 years would bring it back to 17th cent., seems a bit early for this piece. I might revise my estimate if there is evidence that the blade endured extensive regrinding connected with multiple polishes in its lifetime -- sometimes you can find hints of that by way of remains of old cartouches under magnification. Orientation of such decorative elements relative to the present contours of the blade can often reveal if considerable amount of metal has been removed. I would say that the construction and quality of scabbard mounts points to a late origin for those.

ward · 23rd March 2008, 03:00 PM

add the time in the other direction late 20th century. Look at the grips the scabbard screams new

ALEX · 23rd March 2008, 05:37 PM

Hard to judge the age of blade without physical inspections, especially without any stamps/marks, but as for fittings - I agree with Ward - they are new, as well as hilt.

23rd March 2008, 03:00 PM	#2
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	add the time in the other direction late 20th century. Look at the grips the scabbard screams new Last edited by ward; 23rd March 2008 at 03:14 PM.

23rd March 2008, 03:12 AM	#1
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	From just looking at the photos and without the benefit of measurements, the blade seems to have the curvature and narrowness typical of late pieces. Adding 130 years would bring it back to 17th cent., seems a bit early for this piece. I might revise my estimate if there is evidence that the blade endured extensive regrinding connected with multiple polishes in its lifetime -- sometimes you can find hints of that by way of remains of old cartouches under magnification. Orientation of such decorative elements relative to the present contours of the blade can often reveal if considerable amount of metal has been removed. I would say that the construction and quality of scabbard mounts points to a late origin for those.

23rd March 2008, 05:37 PM	#3
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Hard to judge the age of blade without physical inspections, especially without any stamps/marks, but as for fittings - I agree with Ward - they are new, as well as hilt.