Gold Shamshir
Full Description:
A gold decorated Tulwar hilted Indian Shamshir from the late 18th or early 19th century.
The hilt profusely decorated with gold koftgari in silhouette floral patterns on a dark background with large flower heads having two rows of petals. The upper grip has a reverse gold pattern, with negative floral designs on a gold background. The heavily curved blade of high contrast crucible Wootz damascus steel has a dark black and grey background with swirling silvery carbides. A wooden scabbard covered in green velvet. A gold cartouche filled with inscription and a further line of calligraphy running down the length of the blade.
Two similar swords with the same cartouche are illustrated in Islamic Arms and Armour from Private Danish Collections (P 195 and 202).