Shamshir sword, Yemen and Iran, 18th/19th century Probably Persian blade saber, curved shape with one cutting edge and three lateral gutters, in damascus steel inlaid with gold on the upper part, cartouches engraved with medallions containing a lion and an inscription on one side, and the Arabic invocation "Ma Sha' Allah, Lâ Hawla wa la Qûwwata Illa Billah" (literally "God has willed it, there is no strength and power except in God") on the other. The engraved metal guard with straight quillons finished with buttons, the bent-cap fuse covered with alternating plates of studded horn and engraved metal. Length: 90.5 cm Some metal fittings missing on the grip, scabbard and spindle chain missing, some traces of oxidation. For other examples of sabers of this type, see JACOB, Alain, Les armes blanches du monde islamique, Jacques Grancher, Paris: 1985, pp. 134-135. A Sword Shamshir, Yemen and Iran, 18tH / 19th century