Indian shamshir with Lucknow enamel hilt

Indian shamshir with Lucknow enamel hilt containing three rams heads, watered wootz blade with two gold inlaid cartouches, India (probably Lucknow), handle: early 19th century, blade early 18th century
India, India (Northern India), Circa 1720, 1800

Blade length: 82 cms (32.3 ins)
Blade width: 3 cms (1.2 ins)

This Indian Shamshir, likely originating from Lucknow, is a remarkable piece showcasing the exquisite artisanship of the early 19th century for the handle and the early 18th century for the blade. The hilt is crafted from very heavy silver, culminating in pommel and quillon finials that are exquisitely modeled into ram’s heads. The largest hilt head is adorned with a tear-drop-shaped cabochon jewel, set using the traditional Kundan technique. The hilt is not only chiseled but also enameled throughout in a palette of translucent blues, greens, browns, pinks, and yellows. This array of colours is characteristic of the craftsmen’s workshops in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The hilt displays an array of animals in dynamic scenes, including a pair of confronting elephants, a tiger attacking a deer, and an elephant assailing a tiger, all set amidst lush flowering foliage.

The blade of this Shamshir is made from Indo-Persian wootz steel and features two gold inlaid cartouches, both in pristine condition. The upper rounded cartouche is inscribed in Arabic, translating to “The representative of the King of the country Abbas 127” (with 127 referring to the year 1127 or 1713 A.D.). The lower cartouche bears the mark of Assad Allah (Amal-e Assadollah, meaning “the work of Assadollah”), accompanied by the digits 127 and 30 (?).

The blade measures 82 cm in length and 3.0 cm in width. In terms of condition, the blade remains in very good order, maintaining its integrity and craftsmanship. However, the hilt has suffered some loss, with approximately 50% of the enamel missing, which, while detracting from its original splendor, still leaves it as a magnificent example of historical weaponry and artisanship.