A fine and very rare dagger exhibiting conflicting formal and decorative characteristics. While generally evoking the well-known Yemeni janbiyah dagger, close scrutiny reveals an unexpected origin. The hilt a single section of elephant, brilliantly carved and undercut, depicting an armed warrior on horseback hunting a rhinoceros among huge trees, behind… read more

On the Persian Shamshir and the Signature of Assad Allah By Oliver Pinchot © February, 2002 and October, 2015 May be reproduced by written permission of the author only   At the beginning of the 17th century, a type of sword blade known as the shamshir, or Lion’s Tail, appeared… read more