Middle Eastern Swords: Saif, Shamshir, Kilic -- myArmoury.com

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 11:27 pm Post subject:

Look at the downward pommel cap of this saber this is Syrian style. And it soprts a wonderful Persian blade.

By courtesy of Oriental Arms

"A very fine Shamshir from Syria. The blade is Persian, 18th Century, forged from top quality wootz (Damascus, watered steel). It is chiseled with Arabic inscription and marked and signed with the maker sign decorated with gold koftgari. It is 31 inches long, curved and single edged, with a 9 inches false edge. It is most probably Persian made in the Ottoman Kilij style. The cross guard is steel also in gold koftgari decoration, in the shape found on classical Persian shamshirs. The ‘Syrian’ attribution comes mainly from the shape of the hilt and the fitting decoration. The grips are horn inlaid with brass and lead dots and decorated with brass nails. The cross guard is secured to the grips with a twisted copper wire. The pommel is brass and it is sharply down curving (very typical Arab style). Wood scabbard covered with the original black leather stitched with spirals of brass wire (the correct and difficult to do manner). All scabbard fittings and cross guard are decorated with silver Koftgary. Excellent condition. Minor darkened spots on the blade and some of the scabbard fittings koftgari is worn. A very fine piece, and a jewel for every collection of Islamic weapons."

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Mon 25 Aug, 2003 11:29 pm Post subject:

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Tue 26 Aug, 2003 2:52 pm Post subject:

As I mentioned before there are different varieties of Middle Eastern swords. Look at this Saif, it has almost a staright blade. I really like this one.

By courtesy of Oriental Arms

"This is an Arabic Saber / Saif of very good plus quality. The blade is wide, very slightly curved, probably of Persian origin, 33 ½ inches long, of very good wootz forging. The blade top is chiselled on both sides with Arabic inscription and signed with the maker sign all around decorated in gold koftgari. The hilt is composed of horn grips and steel cross-guard, all in a typical Arab style and decoration. The scabbard is wood mounted with steel locket and chape, and stitched with the classical spiral binding. Very good condition all over. Blade with one edge nick, probably from a rival sword and slightly worn leather on the scabbard. This is a very old, early 19 C. blade with late 19 Century fittings an authentic real good sword. A prize to the serious collector.

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Tue 26 Aug, 2003 2:54 pm Post subject:

Antonio Cejunior · Posted: Tue 26 Aug, 2003 3:04 pm Post subject: Straight Saif

Hi Manoucher,

I was wondering how heavy this last blade IS. This is basically a question:
It seems that the handle is a little short for this sword. But this is based on just a visual judgement only.
If they exist its because they are functional, and hence my question. Is the blade a light one?

Thank you,
Regards,

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Tue 26 Aug, 2003 10:11 pm Post subject: Re: Straight Saif

Antonio Cejunior · Posted: Tue 26 Aug, 2003 10:25 pm Post subject: Re: Straight Saif

Eugene George · Posted: Tue 02 Sep, 2003 3:55 pm Post subject: Beautiful Stuff Manoucher!

My personal favorites are mostly North African. Nimchas and Flyssas are pretty neat looking to my eye. I also find some of the Ethiopian/Abyssinian variations on the saif pretty attractive.

Thanks for the wonderful thread Manoucher!

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Wed 03 Sep, 2003 12:20 pm Post subject:

Thank you Eugene.

As you rightly mentioned let us move to North Africa and take a look at the wonderful swords of that region, such as Nimcha.

These are normally mounted with quality European blades.

By courtesy of Oriental Arms

"This is a very good variant of the Moroccan Nimcha used by the Arabs. It is more of a Saif and was used in the Arabian Peninsula. The blade is slightly curved, 28 inches long with 8 inches back edge. It is a blade of quality, probably of European origin, signed at the heel (but not legible now). The hilt is classical with three down curving quillons and a protecting ring. The grip is a massive piece of horn with engraved silver collar. Good condition. The blade retained its original age patina with minor pitted spots. There are traces of gold and silver koftgary on the hilt parts but it is mostly gone now"

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Wed 03 Sep, 2003 12:21 pm Post subject:

Another Nimcha

1700
- European blade with Latin engravings
- 61 cms
- embellishments of dyed ivory and corals

By courtesy of Hermann Historica

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Wed 03 Sep, 2003 12:23 pm Post subject:

Look at this magnificent example to understand what the armorers from this region can do, really splendid

Nimcha
1) 19 century
2) 96 cm
3) rhino grip
4) Golden koftegari work

Courtesy of Hermann Historica

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Wed 03 Sep, 2003 12:24 pm Post subject:

Another excellent Nimcha

Copyright Manoucher M.

Shahril Dzulkifli

Why don't you post different photos and information, Manouchehr?
They all look the same.

Chad Arnow · myArmoury Team

Manouchehr M. · Posted: Sun 27 Apr, 2008 4:17 pm Post subject:

Hi Shahril,

This is a very old thread. What are you specifically interested in? I have been very busy lately.

Kind regards
Manouchehr

Shahril Dzulkifli

Perhaps I am a bit interested in scimitars and saifs..............
Like this one below