Khevsurian sword

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by ariel

... Khevsurian sabers ( palashes) are cruder, their handles are different and brass bands are the must...

correct - the brass bands are characteristic for hilts (and scabbards!). There could also be brass inlays on crossguards, as on our examples. Below is another example of a crossguard with brass inlay elements. The brass inlay is more of a Georgian feature, but the cheaselled script is Persian.

Gav, it is hard to say whether it is "trophy or war or a sword of trade decorated in native Georgian fashion". My opinion is toward the later - the Persian blade is much more likely to be a "trade" object, furnished in local style, by commission/order or to make it more saleable - still a well practiced trade, whereas the "trophies of war" is not as much, thankfully.