A Classical Shamshir from Syria. The blade is probably 19th Century salvaged from a European military saber. It is 30 inches long, curved and single edged, signed WCO. The cross guard is brass in the shape found on classical Turkish Shamshirs. The grips are horn inlaid with brass and lead dots and stars and decorated with brass nails. The cross guard is secured to the grips with twisted brass wires. 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. Wood scabbard covered with black leather. All scabbard fittings and grip strap and pommel were decorated with silver Koftgary which is now mostly gone. Good condition. The blade was cleaned prior to its new mounting as a Shamshir but few grinding sign are still visible and the tip is still slightly pitted. This sword has seen battels which left few scars on the edge. The scabbard leather is a recent restoration. Altogether a good piece. A fine addition to every collection of Islamic weapons at a very low price.