Weird numbers on a shamshir

Jim McDougall · 27th October 2009, 09:49 PM

Locker combination?

Seriously though, as noted these numbers seem out of line and inconsistant with armouries or inventories, which typically had some type of stamp with symbol or marking it seems. This blade seems very much like European cavalry sabre blades of early 19th century, and as is well known, European officers favored these Ottoman style 'mameluke' hilts. It seems that this period would be in close proximity with talismanic numerology which was in varying degree popular through the 18th century, and well known earlier as well. Perhaps these numbers are used in such a cryptic arrangement with this being a European officers sword.

Alternatively, the Ottoman army was becoming quite European influenced during the 19th century, perhaps this might be a sabre with a European blade from that circumstance.

Best regards,
Jim

27th October 2009, 09:49 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,196	Locker combination? Seriously though, as noted these numbers seem out of line and inconsistant with armouries or inventories, which typically had some type of stamp with symbol or marking it seems. This blade seems very much like European cavalry sabre blades of early 19th century, and as is well known, European officers favored these Ottoman style 'mameluke' hilts. It seems that this period would be in close proximity with talismanic numerology which was in varying degree popular through the 18th century, and well known earlier as well. Perhaps these numbers are used in such a cryptic arrangement with this being a European officers sword. Alternatively, the Ottoman army was becoming quite European influenced during the 19th century, perhaps this might be a sabre with a European blade from that circumstance. Best regards, Jim