November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
The fine 33" long Shamshir blade decorated at forte with heavy gold arabesque in a panel. The spine with 7" floral meander. The steel cross guard damascened in gold with panel and floral meander the entire hilt decorated en suite. The shaped horn grips are original. The chape locket and rings of steel gold decorated en suite. The original leather covered scabbard with gold decorated panels on left side. CONDITION: Blade is in excellent condition, with fine watered Wootz pattern visible throughout and gold decoration pristine. The chape and locket are of fine Damascus steel. Owners name is engraved on left side of locket, hard to read but perhaps saying "Osman Pasha". This sword was in fact the personal property of Osman Nuri Pasha (1832 – April 1900). Osman Pasha was an Ottoman field marshal, and was the hero of the siege of Plevna in 1877. Although unsuccessful in defending the city, he was awarded the title of Gazi (warrier or veteran) as a result of that siege. Please consult Wikepedia for a short biography of Osman Nuri Pasha. One of the finest Ottoman swords that we have handled in many years.