art-of-swords:

‘Revival’ Sword

  • Dated: 19th century
  • Culture: Persian
  • Measurements: overall length: 36.5 inches (925mm). Blade length: 30 inches (765mm)

This Persian straight sword is known as a ‘Revival sword’, due to the fact this type of sword reviving the use of 15th Century style Islamic straight swords.

The example is larger than most, with a blade forged from Wootz Damascus, with a central panel on each side containing intricately chiselled Quaranic verses. The forte chiselled with Qajar style animal scenes.

Both sides gold inlaid in Persian ‘Sultan (Al) Sultan Akbar Shah’, attributing the sword to the reign of Persian King, Nasr al Din Shah (1848-1896). The hilt of stylistic form, with drooping monster head quillions, and etched quaranic cartouches.

Sidenotes:

  1. The concept of “Islamic weaponry” features this unique example of that category, known among collectors as the “Persian revival sword”.
  2. Confusion arises largely from categories (such as “Islamic”) imposed by writers without proper understanding of the sword’s form, function, and historical context.

Source: Copyright © 2014 Akaal Arms