Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

  • Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir

Safavid- Revival Qajar Shamshir
Qajar Dynasty (Iran)
Last half 19th century (ca. 1850 - 1870)
Iron, silver, gold
Blade: 68,6cm
Hilt & Blade: 81,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2020
Collection Number: 388

An embellished Persian sword from the Qajar Dynasty of Iran. These revival swords took on a contemporary exaggerated form from the Safavid Dynasty beginning in the 16th century to almost the middle 19th century.

The hilt is composed of iron in the form of a pistol-grip pommel with remnants of silver and gold overlay designs in scrollwork, foilage, and vine decoration. Iron downward facing quillions ending in dragon heads. The blade is single- edged, curved, in a kilij style with a thick T-spine for 3/4 length, turning into a false edge for the last 1/4. A deep, wide fuller is present for the last 3/4 length. Entirety is acid- etched in Qur'anic verses and foilage along with vine work scrolls.

Despite the heavy curvature of the blade, this example would have been used for ceremonial processions rather than actual utility. They were popular for the Shiite holiday of Ashuran or for actors "tazieh" who performed religious performances.. Revival swords were made in a couple of different styles from straight, curved and kilij blade types. This kilij form being the less common. The acid etchings are also more consistent and clearer than many other examples.