Due to the Egyptian campaigns of Napoleon Bonaparte in the late 18th century, the general interest for ancient Egypt was brought back to life. The officers were quite charmed by the Mamluk swords they encountered and its way of use. In fact, many officers had their own Mamluk sabre made in French fashion and within years the Mamluk sabre was adopted in the European armies such as the French, Dutch and the British. Napoleon Bonaparte was so intrigued by the Mamluk troops that he decided to enlist his own corps of mounted Mamluk warriors fighting alongside on his military campaigns.

This example:
An early piece dating from the first half of the 19th century with typical curved grip. The blade is curved and has a flat spine ending on the tip of the blade. The ‘portepee‘ or ‘dress knot’ was attached, but seems to be of later date.
The hilt:
Iconicly shaped as the oriental ‘Mamluk‘ or ‘Shamsheer‘ with a brass guard which is inlayed with copper and decorated with a twisted knot pattern. The quillons are conical shaped and function as guard. The handle is made of two high polished slabs of horn (Buffalo) with a brass ring to attach the ‘dress knot‘ to prevent losing the sword while wielding.

The blade:
Curved, made of pattern welded steel which is visible due to an etching of the blade. The spine is flat and maintains so until ending in the tip. The single cutting edge shows some traces of use, likely to be from cutting into another blade.
Condition: Very good, some traces on the cutting edge of the blade, which seems to be caused in actual use. One horn slab has a chip. No scabbard, but still in good order, including sword knot.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 18cm
Blade spine thickness: 4mm
Blade length: 80,5cm
Total length: 94cm