shamshir on ebay
 

7402497942

Horrible... I would guess that it is a rather modern india production. Any thoughs?

No. IMO the sword is antique. Ottoman empire. The scabbard is newer and Indian.

:) Ok, but, that gilding looks new to me also... Has it been regilded?

Looks like a very handsome old sword. I particularly like the blade -- plain but efficient. The silver wash on hilt and scabbard metals shows some wear consistent with the age of the sword.

Did you notice the winning bidder? Artzi generally knows what he is doing.

Ian.

I'm not the expert but seeing and handling some of these swords I'm going to second Yannis and Ian opinions. Looks very fine. And I'm not telling this because of oriental-arms :)

I second Yannis on his thoughts, old, authentic, but a new indian scabbard

I completely agree, this appears to be an early Ottoman example that has been remounted, and clearly a 'sleeper'! As Ian notes, Artzi knows EXACTLY what he is doing, and he's one of the best!!! It is not at all unusual for such blades, often heirloom even if not marked, to be remounted. Indian purveyors often remounted older blades along with the many swords they supplied to Arabian buyers in the ongoing trade there, or this may have been as noted, remounted by an owner of a heirloom blade.

What I find distinctly interesting is the 'star of Solomon' on the chowk on one side. I recall years ago when a worn Bedouin sabre on ebay was claimed to be an ancient Jewish sword because of the six point star on the blade! As is now well known, the symbol does occur on Islamic swords, although not particularly often.

I am inclined to think that the hilt components and possibly the scabbard furniture may be original and refurbished as well. Although 'restored' in degree, the sword has integrity! I like that :)

All the best,
Jim

Well I really don't like thatone. I guess that it just isn't of my taste. I haven't noticed thou that it was bought by Mr. Artzi. He one of the best and surely he knows what he is doing. You are completely right. :)

6617444195 - I really like thatone, but again, Mr. Arzi shows no mercy :cool:

Strictly speaking, it is not shamshir but Kilij.
It has a yelman, and it is not very curved.
Typical Ottoman sword, old and in a relatively good shape for a 200-300 year old blade. I have seen previews of Sharon Stone in "Fatal Attraction II" and this sword looks fresh and pristine in comparison.
The scabbard is oldish, but obviously a replacement. I was intrigued by the drag: don't you think it has some Afghani flavour?

Hi Ariel,
Very astutely observed!! on both the sword and the movie!!:) The sabre does distinctly have a yelman (I didnt notice) and Ms. Stone does not :)
Well observed on the chape as well, perhaps a Northern India furbisher, possibly port regions now Pakistan?

All best,
Jim

I am getting old: the correct title of the flick where Ms. Stone shows her... yelman?.. is "Basic Instinct" :o :o
"Fatal Attraction" is a totally different psychoporn, and the only common denominator is Michael Douglas proving to us that having an affair with a long-legged blonde may be dangerous to your health. :eek: :eek:

One question Jim, you say that there was a market for such blades in Arabia? Ive never seen a single saif with a short blade like this, with a deep yelmen(that doesnt mean that they're are not there :D ), im just asking if you have pics of any.

Most have either Persian curvy blades, or local blades with slight curves, or fully straight.

Hi Mike,
My error! My comments were made prior to uh, Sharon Stone and the yelman which I did not notice!! :) oops!
You are correct, the kilij type blades were not particularly favored by the Arabs, and I agree, I have not seen such blades on any Arab saif. I was thinking of the shamshir blades.
I'm with Ariel...maybe we are getting old...er !! :)
All the best,
Jim

thanks a bunch Jim :)