19C Indo-Arab Zulfikar Shamshir Sword - 10730


According to the tradition of the Islam, the prophet Muhammad has two swords. The first was a straight blade sword, common to the period, which is now shown in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul. The second sword is believed to have a split blade. It was given to Ali, the prophet son in low, who fought with it many great battles and seen great victories. The sword was nicknamed Zulfikar (Lord of cleaving). This sword is lost, and no one really knows what was its shape. Many attempts to describe the Zulfikar have been made during the development of Islamic swords. One possibility is the sword offered here or sale: A Indian shamshir based sword, mid 19 C., with a curved and wavy 33 1/2 inches blade with a bifurcated tip. The hilt is a classical shamshir hilt, with steel cross guard a later , late 19C. silver pommel in the Arab style and antler grips. Total length 39 inches. Very good condition. A very similar sword is shown in W. Egerton, Handbook of Indian Arms… Plate XV, item 658.

 
 
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