A good Shamshir from Syria. The blade is Persian, late 18th Century, forged from wootz (Damascus steel). It is 31 inches long, curved and single edged. The cross guard is steel in the shape found on classical Persian Shamshirs. The ‘Syrian’ attribution comes mainly from the shape of the hilt. The grips are horn inlaid with brass and lead dots and decorated with brass nails. The cross guard is secured to the grips with copper wire. The pommel is steel down curving (very typical Arab style). Both the grip strap and the pommel cap shows traces of silver koftgari decoration. Total length 36 ½ Inches. Very good condition. Minor darkened spots and edge nicks on the blade. No scabbard. A nice piece at a very reasonable price.