λ An eastern sword (shamshir)

λ An eastern sword (shamshir), curved blade of watered steel 31 in.; hilt of kilij type with rhinoceros horn grip terminating in a bulbous hooked pommel, gilt metal cross piece relief decorated in the European manner with trophies of arms amid foliage; scabbard with silver-gilt mounts comprising a long locket and chape and a central band, repousse decoration involving martial trophies with trumpets and drums amid foliage, Greece or Ottoman Balkans.

Provenance: The collection of Edward Croft-Murray CBE (1907-1980).