[Manouchehr M.]

The quality of Persian shamshirs has been always a source of fascination for warriors and collectors alike not only back then in Iran, but in the neighboring Arab countries where all Arab Bedouins coveted Persian blades and even the best Ottoman shamshirs and Indian tulwars sport Persian blades for the latter see Figiel Book (on Damscus steel).

I am posting here the pics of a true masterpiece, unfortunately the pics do not do this beauty justice, I was fortunate enough to go to Hermann Historica and handle all Middle Eastern swords which were going to the auction the following day.

The blade below is signed by the famous and legendary Assadollah Isfahani, for a similar blade see Figiel Book "On damascus steel" who states that these blades bearing this signature come from the legenadry smith himself (note that many smiths imitated his signature in different forms as a sign of quality over three hundred years!!!), but as mentioned before Figiel states that this is a true signature of him, see for a similar blade page 46 and 47, note that the sword in the book is an Indian tulwar mounted with this Persian blade.

Here you have the similar blade mounted in marvellous Persian mountings. Note that the cross guard is also of wootz / crucible steel which is an art in itself. The blade is of Persian wootz and the saber handles superb. A true slashing weapon. 98 cm. Grip scales are of walrus ivory

By courtesy of Hermann Historica

[Manouchehr M.]

By courtesy of Hermann Historica

[Lee O'Hagan]

Stunning,