Shamshir with serpentine blade - age?

JBarnett · 3rd February 2013, 08:41 PM

I have a collection of well over a hundred edged weapons but this one is a dandy. It's a beautiful Shamshir with a serpentine blade that I acquired from an elderly gentlemans collection a few years ago. He claimed he had purchased it in Afganistan back in the 1950's for the equivalant of around $500 (pretty good sum in those days). He had a nice wall display for the piece and it had been on display at his home for over 50 years.

The blade is 33 inch serpentine or flamberge-style, rams horn grip, scabbard and fittings German silver or Kar Sini. Beautifully engraved scabbard and guard. Blade is constructed from crucible steel with very fine patterns seen in the blade steel. The patterns are difficult to capture with a photo because the blade is fairly scratched and I am reluctant to polish out the scatches. Koftgari gold inlaid makers mark (Islamic symbol) on blade.

Could anyone help with two questions - the symbol on the blade and some feedback on a possible age?

3rd February 2013, 08:41 PM	#1
JBarnett Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Alaska Posts: 8	Shamshir with serpentine blade - age? I have a collection of well over a hundred edged weapons but this one is a dandy. It's a beautiful Shamshir with a serpentine blade that I acquired from an elderly gentlemans collection a few years ago. He claimed he had purchased it in Afganistan back in the 1950's for the equivalant of around $500 (pretty good sum in those days). He had a nice wall display for the piece and it had been on display at his home for over 50 years. The blade is 33 inch serpentine or flamberge-style, rams horn grip, scabbard and fittings German silver or Kar Sini. Beautifully engraved scabbard and guard. Blade is constructed from crucible steel with very fine patterns seen in the blade steel. The patterns are difficult to capture with a photo because the blade is fairly scratched and I am reluctant to polish out the scatches. Koftgari gold inlaid makers mark (Islamic symbol) on blade. Could anyone help with two questions - the symbol on the blade and some feedback on a possible age? Attached Images