Magnificent Gold Damascened, Agate Hilted, Ottoman Shamshir Circa 1845

The broad 31 inch long blade with long double fullers is engraved with cabalistic talismanic symbols, a shamshir, a warrior with a shamshir, and “TOXSDOTCO”. Blade is 1 and 5/16th inches wide at forte. Rather than being a re-mounted earlier European blade this is possibly an Ottoman blade in imitation of a European blade.

The classic downtrend steel cross guard is profusely Damascened in gold with leaves in reserves and a circular panel with Islamic calligraphy. The grip panels are of superbly grained and figured agate.The spine is Damascened in gold with guilloche. The fine Morocco leather scabbard is in excellent original condition with shape, locket, and two middle mounts all profusely Damascened in gold ensuite with the cross guard.

The scabbard is held together as are the finest Ottoman scabbards with a long band of finely twisted copper wire, The condition of the gold Damascening is excellent with no appreciable losses. The agate hilt is excellent. The blade shows wear to the engraving and some old cleaned corrosion toward the point. Even the carrying rings are decorated with gold Damascening.

38 inches overall this shamshir is of museum quality and will delight the most advanced collector of fine Islamic swords.