Saber (Shamshir) with Scabbard

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The grip bears a gold plaque indicating that this saber was presented in 1819 to Captain Hugh Caldwell of the Bengal Army by his commander. The saber is mounted in engraved and enameled silver typical of Lucknow, where a distinctive school of enameled metalwork flourished starting in the late eighteenth century. The colorful zoomorphic decoration includes a pommel and tips of the guard formed as rams’ heads.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art