Persian saber sold for SEK 1,2 million about USD130,000

Admin l Saturday, May 07, 2022

 

STOKCHOMS – This Monday evening Stockholms Auktionsverk sold an extremely rare Persian saber for more than SEK 1,2 million (USD 130 000) plus fees. The saber is a so called “shamshir”, a type of saber with a very curved blade. The name comes from the Persian word for sword.

Early on it stood clear that there was a great interest in the shamshir, and the advance bidding was extensive. After an intense bidding war at the end of the auction between ten bidders from five different countries the shamshir was hammered for SEK 1,263,163.

“Shamshires in general are not that unusual but what makes this specific one so special is the age in combination with the very lavish design” says Peter Willes, one of the people responsible for antique weapons at Stockholms Auktionsverk. “It dates around 1800 and its grip is made of gold with inlaid glass stones and the scabbard is completely decorated with small turquoises which makes it fantastically beautiful and decorative”, Peter continues.

“The shamshir has previously belonged to the collector Herman Jakell and having the chance to sell such an important cultural object is rare and we are happy that the market has appreciated its value” says Anna Martín-Bergman.

“The interest in ancient Persian weapons is great and we hope that this sale will create a ripple effect” Anna continues.

“It is wonderful to see that this shamshir will now be taken care of by a new passionate collector and we want to take this opportunity to congratulate both buyers and sellers” Anna and Peter conclude.