Up for sale is this early, probably 18 C Khayber sword from North Afghanistan or Uzbekistan / Turkmenistan. Short heavy blade, 17 inches long and 2 1/2 inches wide, with a pronounced spine beautifully chiseled. The blade is most probably forged from pattern welded steel. The steel handle and bolsters were covered with silver, now partially gone. The grips are cut from a rhino horn, axial cut, with the fibers perpendicular to the grip. This cut is common to several central Asian regions, mainly in Bukhara and around. Original scabbard covered with dark red fabric and mounted with a silver chape (recent). Total length 23 1/2 inches. Very good condition. Very good, almost black patina to the horn grips. Chips and losses to both grips near the bolsters. The fabric seam trimming thread is recent.