Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 239:
A fine representation of a shamshir style sword, this sword is distinguished by the deeply curved shamshir blade in fine dark wootz. The hilt is carved in the form of a karabela style handle, though the mounting is in the Balkan style with filigreed brass mounted with stones. Balkan mounted shamshirs are uncommon, and most often associated with Greek shamshirs, which are usually entirely in silver with distinctive Greek silver fittings. While Balkan shamshir hilt would normally take the form of classic Ottoman pistol grip, this distinctive sword has a karabela grip. The term, karabela, refers to a style of handle most associated with Polish and Eastern European swords and has given multiple meanings for the origin of the term, including Cara e bella ( Italian for "Dear and beautiful"), Arabella ( Italian for "Arabian"), Karbala ( town in Iraq), and Karabel ( town in Turkey). These forms of grips are also known in Persia and it is likely that the Shiite population of Karbalah may be associated with this style of grip in Persia which then shifted to Poland and spread through Eastern Europe. Other theories note that the hilt is a stylized eagle head form, and having been taken from Ottoman sabres with similar hilts captured by the Polish at the Siege of Vienna in 1683.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 30 3/4" Blade Length : 26".Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.References:1. Elgood, R. (2009). The Arms of Greece. Thames and Hudson.2. Hales, R. (2013). A Lifetime 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. Ostrowski, J & Bochnak, W. (1979) "Polish Sabres: Their Origins and Evolution" in Art, Arms and Armour Ed.R.Held, Chiasso6. Zygulski, Z. (1982) Stara Bron W Polskich Zbiorach: Old weapons in Polish collections.Krajowa Agencja Wydawnicza.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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