Persian Infantry Officer’s Sword with scabbard, a Middle Eastern military example reflecting the influence of both traditional Persian design and later European-style officer patterns adopted during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Such swords are associated with the armed forces of Persia, particularly during periods of military modernisation.
The sword features a straight single-edged blade with a fuller and is decorated with a gilt Pahlavi imperial crown on the ricasso, indicating it is from the early Pahlavi era of Iran. This sword shows European influence in blade form and decoration, in particular the types of infantry officer sword worn by French, German and Russian forces. The hilt, also decorated with the Pahlavi crown, incorporates a guard with a quillon incorporating a loop. The guard is of a knuckle-bow design, paired with a shiny black grip material bound with brass wire. The pommel is a rounded nut, allowing for the handle to be removed in its entirety.
During the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, Persian military equipment increasingly reflected European patterns, particularly in officer swords, which combined Western forms with local decorative details. These swords served both as sidearms and as symbols of rank and authority within the officer corps.
This example is accompanied by its scabbard, constructed from brown leather with brass mounts, designed to protect the blade and complete the set for wear. Together, they provide a representative example of Persian military edged weapons from a period of transition and adaptation.
Manufactured using traditional materials and techniques, Persian officer swords are collected within the fields of Middle Eastern arms and armour, ethnographic militaria, and edged weapons. Their appeal lies in the combination of functional design and regional stylistic variation.
Dimensions
Approx. 92.5cm overall length (out of scabbard)
Approx. 78.5cm blade length
Condition
Good overall condition, with age-related wear consistent with use and storage. The blade shows light rust marks and patina. The hilt remains structurally sound with minor wear to the grip and fittings. The scabbard is intact, with some shrinkage noticeable. No significant damage or repairs are evident.
