Persian shamshir in need of restoration

Ian · 1st January 2024, 04:22 AM

Hi MARW,

Welcome to the Forum! I like the curve of that blade style, which always looks so clean and classical to me. As far as the hilt goes, there are modern reproductions that find their way online. I can't provide a link but others here may have one for you. You would need to custom fit an off-the-shelf piece.

As far as the lack of pattern in the blade, it may be a laminated blade with poor contrast between the laminations, or it might still be wootz. I would try a variety of etchants to see if you can bring out anything. Vinegar is quite good, so is lemon juice, and there is always ferric chloride. I would start dilute and work up. There are helpful comments on these pages if you search for "etching." The coffee seemed to provide an overwhelming color change.

Gavin Nugent · 1st January 2024, 04:35 AM

Great to see it being restored. Once a fine warrior.

I wish I had of seen this a few days ago, a more appropriate pair of suspension loops passed by at auction, they would have been much nicer choices for a restoration project.

There are some good restorers within these pages too and much advice within the pages too as Ian has noted.

Personally, and only from the photos, I'd be putting a little more love in to the surfaces before concerning yourself too much with etching.

Right or wrong in the eyes of many, and not available to everyone, I prefer a diluted sulphuric acid tank dip, Bicarb neutralize, wash and oil... a dangerous product to work with but to great effect.

MARW · 1st January 2024, 05:18 AM

Thanks, Gavin and Ian. I pasted Renaissance de-corodder and then brushed it with a brass brush. The rust is gone and the pits are clean. I later used very fine sandpaper. My concern is a) not to damage the Asadullah cartouche and b) not to change the geometry of the blade.

The biggest difficulty is finding an antique pommel cap. I have had someone offer to make one from scratch that looks extremely accurate but it's too expensive. So I prefer an antique spare one.

I have two pommel caps from LK Chen shamshir arriving, but it would be sad to put newly made ones (even after finishing and patination).

The attached photo is the result after dip in instant coffee, no pattern at all.

1st January 2024, 05:18 AM	#3
MARW Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Posts: 12	Thanks, Gavin and Ian. I pasted Renaissance de-corodder and then brushed it with a brass brush. The rust is gone and the pits are clean. I later used very fine sandpaper. My concern is a) not to damage the Asadullah cartouche and b) not to change the geometry of the blade. The biggest difficulty is finding an antique pommel cap. I have had someone offer to make one from scratch that looks extremely accurate but it's too expensive. So I prefer an antique spare one. I have two pommel caps from LK Chen shamshir arriving, but it would be sad to put newly made ones (even after finishing and patination). The attached photo is the result after dip in instant coffee, no pattern at all. Attached Images

1st January 2024, 04:22 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,398	Hi MARW, Welcome to the Forum! I like the curve of that blade style, which always looks so clean and classical to me. As far as the hilt goes, there are modern reproductions that find their way online. I can't provide a link but others here may have one for you. You would need to custom fit an off-the-shelf piece. As far as the lack of pattern in the blade, it may be a laminated blade with poor contrast between the laminations, or it might still be wootz. I would try a variety of etchants to see if you can bring out anything. Vinegar is quite good, so is lemon juice, and there is always ferric chloride. I would start dilute and work up. There are helpful comments on these pages if you search for "etching." The coffee seemed to provide an overwhelming color change.

1st January 2024, 04:35 AM	#2
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Great to see it being restored. Once a fine warrior. I wish I had of seen this a few days ago, a more appropriate pair of suspension loops passed by at auction, they would have been much nicer choices for a restoration project. There are some good restorers within these pages too and much advice within the pages too as Ian has noted. Personally, and only from the photos, I'd be putting a little more love in to the surfaces before concerning yourself too much with etching. Right or wrong in the eyes of many, and not available to everyone, I prefer a diluted sulphuric acid tank dip, Bicarb neutralize, wash and oil... a dangerous product to work with but to great effect.