Saudi Saifs

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi Lee
Nice thing and great thread, one that I will refer to when I unearth a similar weapon I have in my collection. Thanks for sharing. Miguel

Finally unearthed my Saif which until this thread I thought was a Persian Shamshir but from the info contained in the thread I now think that it is in the Saudi style having an Ottoman style scabbard with silver fittings Unfortunately the decoration is worn and the end of the chape is missing otherwise it is in pretty good shape for its age which I think is 19thC. You will notice that there is a ring on one Quillon and one should have been on the end of the pommel but has obviously broken off. I think that silver chains may have once been attached but are now lost, I have seen these in in photos of Saifs and wonder why some have them and others don't also why are the hilts always bound with wire between the Qillons and the bone grips which makes it look like they have been repaired?
Miguel