A Classical Shamshir from Syria. The blade is old 19th Century of Persian origin, forged from layer welded steel. It is 31 inches long, curved and single edged, decorated with heavy silver koftgari inscription in Arabic letters. The cross guard and grip straps are steel in a classical Persian style. The grips are horn inlaid with metal nails. The cross guard is secured to the grips with twisted brass wires. The pommel is chased brass and it is sharply down curving (very typical Arab style). The ‘Syrian’ attribution comes from the shape of the hilt and the fitting decoration. Wood scabbard covered with black fabric. Scabbard fittings are chased brass. Good condition. The blade silver decoration as well as the scabbard fittings are later to the blade, probably early 20th C. There is a forging fault in the center of the blade and the brass fitted had suffered some minor denting. Altogether a good piece. A fine addition to every collection of Islamic weapons.