Indian Shamshir sword with Tulwar hilt Wootz steel blade and gold cartouche

 A high quality Indian sword circa 1800. The deeply curved shamshir blade made of fine wootz or damascus steel displaying a clear watered pattern to the surface, the upper section on one side adorned with a gold koftgari cartouche containing arabic calligraphy. The tulwar hilt also made of wootz steel, damascened with gold floral bordering. Some age wear, minor notches to blade edge, the pommel has had an old repair where the brittle wootz steel was broken, making the hilt firm and solid. A very nice Indo-Persian sword.