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Post by marw on Jul 19, 2023 18:32:43 GMT
On a whim I got this new shamshir. However I am not entirely sure if its completely antique or some parts are new. I am specially concerned about the koftgari on the blade. Its also unclear if it's wootz. Can someone share their thoughts?
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Post by ihutch1 on Jul 19, 2023 19:23:10 GMT
I'm going to go with yes. If you can shine a light behind the grips to see if it appears to be rhinoceros horn, that would be a good indicator. What does the stitching on the scabbard look like?
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Post by marw on Jul 19, 2023 19:40:54 GMT
@ihutch The grip is indeed translucent. The stitching seems like some kind of brass coloured wire. Attachments:
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Post by ihutch1 on Jul 19, 2023 20:58:00 GMT
@ihutch The grip is indeed translucent. The stitching seems like some kind of brass coloured wire. Yes, that Turkish ladder stitching is not something I see a lot on newer swords. I'd be willing to say this dates from no later than the first half of the 20th century, and is probably older.
If you want to spot test on the blade with acid to see if it is wootz, that would be interesting.
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Post by marw on Jul 19, 2023 21:07:56 GMT
ihutch1 Thanks a lot! in this case I would probably invest in professional restoration. Its embarrassing to send an article only to discover it being a reproduction.
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