TURKISH SHAMSHIR

Late 18^th century-1800. Brass hilt, formerly gilt with elegant cross guard and horn grips. 31 ¼” curved blade with double narrow back fullers. The forte with a large inscription panel each side, in Old Church Slavonic, with a foliate terminal. The inscription suggests a Balkan owner and the choice of the script indicates that it is a prayer. Original wood scabbard with gilt suspension mounts. The bottom half encased in the gilt iron sheet. The upper segments retaining a long portion of black leather covering with the bare wood portions in good preservation. Classic example of good form and demonstrative origin.