Turkish or Russian Shashka, Shamshir, Seif ????

ALEX · 12th March 2006, 10:31 AM

Thank you Andy and all Shamshir and Shashka Experts for the great previous post (Turkish Shamshir by Andy).

I have a similar Saif with markings. And it also got me puzzled. The 32" blade has two long fullers and three shorter ones. It has a "Knight" stamp on one side and "Claubere A. Solingen"?? on another. Both appear too close to the hilt, so if the crossguard would be present - it would cover them well. There are also Russian??? Moon Star and the Sun marks. The hilt is of Turkish appearance, and the blade exhibits some Damascus circular? pattern (hard to see, but most likely pattern-weld). I am not Shashka expert by all means, but based on such "mix-up" I am inclined to think that this one is well made?? modern creation. Please help!!!

ariel · 12th March 2006, 02:10 PM

Not to worry, nothing modern or fake here!
I guess it is also a "Syrian" type sword (can't see the handle well ) with an old German blade. Overall, I say 19th century.
Where can one find a good authentic crossguard?

Oriental-Arms · 12th March 2006, 10:44 PM

Wilhelm Clauberg & Cie blade factory from Solingen, Germany operated from 1847 and until 1990. This is a trade blade from the late 19 C. These blades were greatly appreciated in the middle east and much sought after. For another blade by Clauberg on an Arab Saif from Yemen see:

And a close up on the marking:

The sword itself is Syrian as properly noted by Ariel.

ariel · 12th March 2006, 10:59 PM

Nice to be supported by the God of Oriental Weapons himself!
And, by the way, the blade (or, at least, its configuration) resembles another one we were discussing here.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2023
As the oncologists say" The tissue is the issue". In our case, it is " The markings are the .... " Rhyme, anyone?

ALEX · 14th March 2006, 10:57 AM

Ariel, I second your opinion about Mr. Artzi, and feel privileged to be honored by the advice and attention of the Legend himself. Thanks to both of you!

As far as old sword parts, I have a Syrian friend, who goes there once in a while. So I ask him to look for these things at the old Damascus market. I understand it's very hard to find, but he knows people there and a few tiny shops specializing in Damascus swords, parts, repairs, fittings, etc. Here's what he brought last time.
BTW, all scabbards on the picture were made there. Pls send me a private message if you need any details.

12th March 2006, 10:31 AM	#1
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Turkish or Russian Shashka, Shamshir, Seif ???? Thank you Andy and all Shamshir and Shashka Experts for the great previous post (Turkish Shamshir by Andy). I have a similar Saif with markings. And it also got me puzzled. The 32" blade has two long fullers and three shorter ones. It has a "Knight" stamp on one side and "Claubere A. Solingen"?? on another. Both appear too close to the hilt, so if the crossguard would be present - it would cover them well. There are also Russian??? Moon Star and the Sun marks. The hilt is of Turkish appearance, and the blade exhibits some Damascus circular? pattern (hard to see, but most likely pattern-weld). I am not Shashka expert by all means, but based on such "mix-up" I am inclined to think that this one is well made?? modern creation. Please help!!! Attached Images

12th March 2006, 10:44 PM	#3
Oriental-Arms Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Haifa, Israel Posts: 183	Syrian sword, German blade Wilhelm Clauberg & Cie blade factory from Solingen, Germany operated from 1847 and until 1990. This is a trade blade from the late 19 C. These blades were greatly appreciated in the middle east and much sought after. For another blade by Clauberg on an Arab Saif from Yemen see: And a close up on the marking: The sword itself is Syrian as properly noted by Ariel.

14th March 2006, 10:57 AM	#5
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Ariel, I second your opinion about Mr. Artzi, and feel privileged to be honored by the advice and attention of the Legend himself. Thanks to both of you! As far as old sword parts, I have a Syrian friend, who goes there once in a while. So I ask him to look for these things at the old Damascus market. I understand it's very hard to find, but he knows people there and a few tiny shops specializing in Damascus swords, parts, repairs, fittings, etc. Here's what he brought last time. BTW, all scabbards on the picture were made there. Pls send me a private message if you need any details. Attached Images

12th March 2006, 02:10 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Not to worry, nothing modern or fake here! I guess it is also a "Syrian" type sword (can't see the handle well ) with an old German blade. Overall, I say 19th century. Where can one find a good authentic crossguard?

12th March 2006, 10:59 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Nice to be supported by the God of Oriental Weapons himself! And, by the way, the blade (or, at least, its configuration) resembles another one we were discussing here. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2023 As the oncologists say" The tissue is the issue". In our case, it is " The markings are the .... " Rhyme, anyone?