Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 143:
A very fine representation of one of the distinct swords of the Ottoman Empire, this sword is most classically called a shamshir and is distinguished by the deeply curved blade, the finest of which are mounted with wootz blades, such as this example. This example is aslight hybrid of the shamshir and kilich blade and likely dates to the 18th century based onRivkin’s (2018) determination on the evolution of shamshir and kilich blades.The shamshir in its classic form such as this example was developed in the 16th centuries andwas primarily associated most closely with Persian swords of the period. The Ottomans, thoughdevout enemies of the Persians, adopted Persian blades through trade and capture, many ofwhich were mounted in Ottoman style hilts. This blade is likely of Ottoman manufacture and infine condition displaying a fine wootz pattern visible throughout and with an interesting bladeprofile. The blade has a wide shallow fuller running the length of the blade and terminating witha raised rib near the yelman. At the base of the fuller appears to be a decorative chiseled orinlaid design.The scabbard and crossguard of this example are fine condition and mounted in silver.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 37 3/4" Blade Length : 31"References:1. Elgood, R. (2009). The Arms of Greece. Thames and Hudson.2. Hales, R. (2013). A Lifetimeâ€â„¢s Passion: Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour, 3. Pinchot, O. (2002) On the Persian Shamshir and the Signature of Assad Allah. Journal ofArms Collecting.4. Egerton, Lord of Tatton, (1896). A Description of Indian and Oriental Armour. London, W. H. Allen & Co5. Ferrel, J. (1998), The Dr. Leo S. Figiel Collection of Mogul Arms. (San Francisco:Butterfield & Butterfield6. Figel, L.S., (1991) On Damascus Steel. Atlantis, Florida: Atlantis Arts Press7. Rivkin, K., Isaac, B. (2018) A Study of the Eastern Sword. Independent Publisher.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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