The Omani Shamshiir.

Viscouse · 31st January 2018, 05:36 PM

Will this work? It looks JUST LIKE that picture!

= link to pictures of writing
= link to pictures of sword

Excalibur2025 · 11th March 2025, 03:50 PM

Hi all, I have an Omani shamshir that was found in Zanzibar.

I just wondered, is this thread still active and is Mr al Balooshi still available?

I am looking to get some additional information about the shamshir.

kahnjar1 · 13th March 2025, 05:11 AM

Any Photos?

Excalibur2025 · 17th March 2025, 12:51 PM

The sword was dug up from the earth (but not that deep - just below the surface).

We assume the grip would have been walrus ivory but it looks like the ivory has completely decomposed until there's nothing left. Does anyone know how long it would take walrus ivory to decompose in tropical conditions?

(I tried to post a photo but it wouldn't upload. I will try again later).

Excalibur2025 · 17th March 2025, 03:11 PM

Photo of the hilt:

kahnjar1 · 19th March 2025, 09:29 PM

Persian? Others will no doubt may have a better idea.

Excalibur2025 · 21st March 2025, 05:44 PM

Yes, it's Persian, but most likely would have been owned by an Omani.

Just trying to figure out if the ivory blocks on the grip have been removed or decomposed while underground. We're looking at potentially more than four years in soil exposed to a tropical climate including heat and torrential rain in the rainy seasons.

kahnjar1 · 21st March 2025, 09:09 PM

Not necessarily owned by an Omani. Many countries traded thru Zanzibar including the Omanis.
Why do you think that the grip was ivory? Could just as easily been bone or giraffe hoof, or for that matter a wood of some sort. If it was ivory (suggesting a high class owner) it would also point to the grip dressing being silver. From your photos it would appear that the grip is not silver.
Could you post a photo of the whole sword please.

31st January 2018, 05:36 PM	#1
Viscouse Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 2	Will this work? It looks JUST LIKE that picture! = link to pictures of writing = link to pictures of sword Last edited by Robert; 1st February 2018 at 04:23 PM. Reason: Please download photos directly to the thread as per forum rules.

17th March 2025, 12:51 PM	#4
Excalibur2025 Member Join Date: Mar 2025 Posts: 23	Omani / Persian shamshir found in Zanzibar The sword was dug up from the earth (but not that deep - just below the surface). We assume the grip would have been walrus ivory but it looks like the ivory has completely decomposed until there's nothing left. Does anyone know how long it would take walrus ivory to decompose in tropical conditions? (I tried to post a photo but it wouldn't upload. I will try again later). Attached Images

17th March 2025, 03:11 PM	#5
Excalibur2025 Member Join Date: Mar 2025 Posts: 23	Omani shamshir found in Zanzibar Photo of the hilt: Attached Images

11th March 2025, 03:50 PM	#2
Excalibur2025 Member Join Date: Mar 2025 Posts: 23	Hi all, I have an Omani shamshir that was found in Zanzibar. I just wondered, is this thread still active and is Mr al Balooshi still available? I am looking to get some additional information about the shamshir.

13th March 2025, 05:11 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,789	Any Photos?

19th March 2025, 09:29 PM	#6
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,789	Persian? Others will no doubt may have a better idea.

21st March 2025, 05:44 PM	#7
Excalibur2025 Member Join Date: Mar 2025 Posts: 23	Yes, it's Persian, but most likely would have been owned by an Omani. Just trying to figure out if the ivory blocks on the grip have been removed or decomposed while underground. We're looking at potentially more than four years in soil exposed to a tropical climate including heat and torrential rain in the rainy seasons.

21st March 2025, 09:09 PM	#8
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,789	Not necessarily owned by an Omani. Many countries traded thru Zanzibar including the Omanis. Why do you think that the grip was ivory? Could just as easily been bone or giraffe hoof, or for that matter a wood of some sort. If it was ivory (suggesting a high class owner) it would also point to the grip dressing being silver. From your photos it would appear that the grip is not silver. Could you post a photo of the whole sword please.