The original scimitar was called a Shamshir (meaning "lion's tail") and had a highly curved blade that almost formed a semicircle. Developed in Persia, this type of blade was effective for performing sweeping cuts, but other than that, its usefulness was limited. This led to the blade being reshaped into a more useful version. A sword used extensively as the Persians fought off wave after wave of Arab invaders for centuries.

 

This is a beautiful and exotic sword and a must for the serious collector of genuine, historical weapon Icons. 

 

The blade is very  effective, cutting and slashing, and the point was quite useful in the "hook" thrust. Made of 1075 high carbon steel by the worlds finest craftsmen. The hilt is wood and the guard and scabbard are steel. The scabbard has a throat, mid-neck and metal ferrule.