A Classical Shamshir from Syria. The blade is old 19th Century or earlier, of Persian origin, forged from wootz (Damascus) steel. It is 31 inches long, curved and single edged. The cross guard and grip straps are brass, in the Ottoman sabers style. The grips are horn. The cross guard is bound and secured to the grips with brass wire. The pommel is steel and it is sharply down curving (very typical Arab style). The ‘Syrian’ attribution comes from the shape of the hilt and the fitting decoration. Good condition. The blade has few and minor blackened spots and very superficial small pitted areas. There are few nicks on the edge - battle scars. The left grip has an old crack but it was fixed a long time ago with an iron band just above the brass wire binding and is holding solid. Altogether a good piece. A fine addition to every collection of Islamic weapons at a very attractive price.