Page 211 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 354
Highly Attractive,
Elaborately Embellished, Gilded
Silver Soviet Era Dagestan/Caucasian Style Shamshir
with Matching Scabbard - Offered here is certainly one of the most elaborately
embellished edged weapons of any type that we have had the pleasure of cataloging. This beautifully embellished shamshir was likely made during the Soviet-era for presentation purposes as clearly demonstrated by the full coverage ornamentation on the gilt silver hilt and scabbard. It is a type of high end artistry reserved only for high ranking public or military officials. Unfortunately the name of the artisan has been lost to
time, but the quality of craftsmanship and sheer amount of finely detailed ornate decoration points
directly to a grand master of the profession, second to none. For a collector looking for only the best
in highly embellished edged weapons, especially from the Soviet block, look no further! It features the traditional, dramatically curved, blade of typical Caucasian shamshirs that has two fullers and measures approximately 28 3/4 inches. The hilt is gilt silver and beautifully embellished with relief floral designs
with pink, green, and white glass gem accents, panels on each side of the grip area accented with blue,
red, and white enamel, and a tiger head shaped pommel. The guard is the typical cross shape with
chappes on both sides of the blade and straight quillions with spherical finials. The scabbard is also
made of gilded silver and is embellished in full coverage to match the hilt of the sword, including the
relief floral designs, gems, and enameled panels. Includes a hardwood case.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains most of the original gold finish with the balance having mostly thinned to reveal an attractive antique silver beneath. All of the gemstone mountings appear to remain and it retains almost all of the bright enamel in the panels. The blade shows mostly bright. A beautiful presentation grade shamshir worthy of the finest public or private collection!
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
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