Nader Shah's Sword

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Picture of Nader Shah and two of his sons

Nader Shah's Sword (Persian: شمشیر نادرشاه) refers to the sword carried by Iranian ruler Nader Shah (r.1736–1747). It is located in Tehran, Iran.[1] Under later Iranian ruler Fath-Ali Shah Qajar (r.1797–1834), some fifty years or more later, it was inscribed and embellished.[1] The scabbard of the sword is covered with diamonds.[1] The modern historian Michael Axworthy notes that "Nader used the imagery of the sword to describe himself on a number of occasions".[1]

The sword is not visible in any of the portraits of Fath-Ali Shah. There is, however, a mural in the Marble Room of the Golestan Palace which shows Mohammad Shah Qajar, the successor to Fath-Ali Shah, wearing the sword while on horseback.

The reverse side of the sword and scabbard shows a picture of the Shah on the hilt along with a few lines of verse, and the pictures of two of his sons.

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References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Axworthy, Michael (2006). The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant. I.B.Tauris. p. figure 1. Son of the Sword (including description). ISBN 978-1850437062.