A shamshir

dating: 19th Century provenance: Syria, Curved, single-edged blade in fine damask wootz (some dent on the edge). Small, silver quillon with langets and straight quillons, featuring a cartouche in the center engraved with Arabic characters and with remains of frames. Grip with silver wire binding at the base, then with horn grip scales (small damages), silver-laminated, engraved with floral motifs and inlaid with metal stars and nails on oblique borders. Angled cap, engraved with silver rinceaux. Loops for a chain (missing). Wooden, leather-covered scabbard (later), held by metallic band. Two loops, one lug is missing. Iron mounts with remains of thin, silver-inlaid spirals. length 95,5 cm.