NAM.1951-09-12-1

Shamshir sword with scabbard, c1780-1858. Possibly belonging to Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839). The sword was later acquired and used for ceremonial purposes by Lt (later Maj) William Hodson, who probably kept the blade but replaced the original hilt with the current mameluke one. Associated with Maj William Stephen Raikes Hodson, Hodson's Horse. Blade with fine watering and gold koftgari inscription with a dedication to Shah ‘Abbas of Iran and the purported signature of the famous Iranian swordsmith Asad Allah Isfahani. 'Mamaluke’ style hilt, with ivory grips held by two rivets with ‘Tudor Rose’ decoration. Wide langets and rest of grip engraved with floral motifs. European silvered sword knot with much tattered knot ‘string’.