Very Fine 18 C. Enameled Shamshir Sword from Lucknow, India

Lucknow is the capital and largest city of Utter Pradesh in India. For centuries Lucknow has been famous for its various handicraft works. The Nawabs of Awadh who ruled Lucknow in the 18 and 19 C. were regarded as members of the nobility of the greater Mughal Empire and were great patrons of fine arts. Very well known are the colorful enameled silver works, a form  of art flourished in Lucknow under the Nawabs of Awadh.

The Shamshir saber offered here is a classical exemplar of enameled silver work from Lucknow. The blade is forged from crucible steel (watered steel, wootz) with high contrast pattern. The grips are carved from walrus tusk in a classical Persian style. The silver cross guard suspension bands and the pommel cap are heavy silver enameled in shining blue and green enamel work. The scabbard is covered with a finely tooled leather in a geometric pattern painted gold and mounted with enameled silver belt rings bands and long chape.

Blade 28 inches ( 71 cm). Total length 34 inches (86 cm).  Very good condition. The enameling is untouched and almost complete to more than 95 %. Small losses to the gold painting of the scabbard. Fine and rare 18 C. piece of art.

For a similar enameled saber see: The  Metropolitan Museum of Arts  Accession Number: 36.25.1302a, b

Price: On request