Russian (?) shamshir

eftihis · 23rd April 2007, 09:07 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=012

WHere is this from? It doesnt look Russian to me!

ALEX · 23rd April 2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eftihis

... It doesnt look Russian to me!

Me neither. Decorations look like bedouin type.

S.Al-Anizi · 23rd April 2007, 03:21 PM

Never seen anything like it. Caucasian perhaps?

ariel · 23rd April 2007, 09:31 PM

Not Caucasian and not Russian: far too crude.
I am intrigued by the lower" langet": looks like a piece of flat metal with rudimentary embellishments.
Overall, I think it is Arabian, but not of a sophisticated origin: Bedouin souds about right. The blade looks military. Any markings?

Tim Simmons · 23rd April 2007, 09:40 PM

It was far from cheap. You can get some pretty smart stuff in better condition for that price

.

Jeff D · 23rd April 2007, 11:33 PM

Hi All,

The blade and scabbard are from a British 1803. Hilt ????

Hope this helps.
Jeff

ariel · 24th April 2007, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

It was far from cheap. You can get some pretty smart stuff in better condition for that price

.

"Cheap"? The word never passed my lips!

"Of provincial manufacture" would be about right.

Jim McDougall · 24th April 2007, 07:40 PM

I agree with Jeff, this appears to be a military 'mameluke' form sabre for officers, probably British, and from the c.1803 period he notes. The blade distinctly reflects the 'hatchet' point blades of the British M1796 light cavalry sabres.
It should be noted that the British presence in Arabia around the Gulf of Aden was well established and it would seem quite likely that many British weapons were available. Many British officers had thier dress swords furbished in the many outfitters that had shops there (much as in the British Raj in India) so I think Ariels use of the term 'provincial' is in degree well applied.

I agree that the decoration that embellishes this sabre has most likely been added to appeal to prospective Arabian traders for associated markets.

Interesting 19th century piece !!

All the best,
Jim

23rd April 2007, 09:07 AM	#1
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 507	Russian (?) shamshir http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=012 WHere is this from? It doesnt look Russian to me! Attached Images

23rd April 2007, 03:21 PM	#3
S.Al-Anizi Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arabia Posts: 278	Never seen anything like it. Caucasian perhaps?

23rd April 2007, 09:31 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Not Caucasian and not Russian: far too crude. I am intrigued by the lower" langet": looks like a piece of flat metal with rudimentary embellishments. Overall, I think it is Arabian, but not of a sophisticated origin: Bedouin souds about right. The blade looks military. Any markings?

23rd April 2007, 09:40 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	It was far from cheap. You can get some pretty smart stuff in better condition for that price .

23rd April 2007, 11:33 PM	#6
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi All, The blade and scabbard are from a British 1803. Hilt ???? Hope this helps. Jeff

24th April 2007, 07:40 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,952	I agree with Jeff, this appears to be a military 'mameluke' form sabre for officers, probably British, and from the c.1803 period he notes. The blade distinctly reflects the 'hatchet' point blades of the British M1796 light cavalry sabres. It should be noted that the British presence in Arabia around the Gulf of Aden was well established and it would seem quite likely that many British weapons were available. Many British officers had thier dress swords furbished in the many outfitters that had shops there (much as in the British Raj in India) so I think Ariels use of the term 'provincial' is in degree well applied. I agree that the decoration that embellishes this sabre has most likely been added to appeal to prospective Arabian traders for associated markets. Interesting 19th century piece !! All the best, Jim