18th Century Zoomporhic Shamshir

vilhelmsson · 20th October 2019, 11:08 PM

Hello,

I picked up this sword recently. It was offered as an 18th century Indian shamshir.

I wanted to solicit the thoughts of the forum about what it's purpose is, and if anyone was familiar with the very faded mark on the blade? And is 18th century right?

The iron work on the elephant is somewhat rudimentary. It feels small in the hand and the handle is somewhat small. At first, I thought it might be a child's sword. But the actual size of the blade is similar in size to a very serious tulwar that I have, though the tulwar has the more substantial feel of a weapon.

I wonder if it might be a piece meant for the 18th century domestic tourist market, maybe marketed to Hindu pilgrims?

I have not examined the organic material in the pommel under a microscope, but it was marketed as bone.

20th October 2019, 11:08 PM	#1
vilhelmsson Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Bay Area Posts: 57	18th Century Zoomporhic Shamshir Hello, I picked up this sword recently. It was offered as an 18th century Indian shamshir. I wanted to solicit the thoughts of the forum about what it's purpose is, and if anyone was familiar with the very faded mark on the blade? And is 18th century right? The iron work on the elephant is somewhat rudimentary. It feels small in the hand and the handle is somewhat small. At first, I thought it might be a child's sword. But the actual size of the blade is similar in size to a very serious tulwar that I have, though the tulwar has the more substantial feel of a weapon. I wonder if it might be a piece meant for the 18th century domestic tourist market, maybe marketed to Hindu pilgrims? I have not examined the organic material in the pommel under a microscope, but it was marketed as bone. Attached Images