Fine quality 19th century Syrian or Kurdish shamshir sword. Magnificent heavy Persian damascus wootz steel blade chiselled with ribs and panels, the forte with the Persian Lion and Assad Allah calligraphy surrounded by gold inlay, number 2 chiselled near crossguard. Mounts of finely chiselled silver, Unusual feature fitted to locket of sprung catch to retain sword in scabbard ( now not quite well-fitting). Hilt with horn and silver mounts. middle eastern