Very Fine and Very Early 18 C. Persian Shamshir Sword related to the Shi'a

This sword is from the early 18 C., may be from the late Safavid or early Zand periods. Light and not very long sword but extremely well made. The blade is light and narrow, single edge with the upper 7.5 inches (19 cm) with undulating steps at the point of transition. The blade is forged from crucible steel (wootz) of good pattern. The back side of the blade is decorated with foliate gold koftgari work. A gold inlaid (true inlay) circle on the front side with Arabic calligraphy that reads: يا الله يا محمد (Ya Alla Ya Muhamad), between heavy silver and gold Arabic letters that read: يا علي (Ya Ali), after Ali the first Khalif of the Shi'a. The steel cross guard bound with silver wires to the grip is inlaid with gold koftgart work, as well as the pommel cap and the grip straps. I grips with recesses for the fingers. Original leather covered scabbard with bands for carrying belt and a (later) steel chape.

Blade length 29 inches (74 cm). Total length 35 ½ inches (91 cm). Very good condition to age. Small losses to the gold inlay on the blade. Moderate losses to the gold inlay on the cross guard and the pommel. Light repair to the leather cover at the scabbard mouth.  Fine and rare early sword

 Price: On request