Identifying Sword with Lion Etching on the blade

[Mina2015]

Hi all, I purchased a sword at a recent estate sale and I am trying to find out more about it, where it came from and which century/year it dates to. It is a short sword, approximately 400grams (14.5 oz), total length - 21", handle length - 5", blade width at hilt - 1". The blade is sharp but the sword has all sorts of grime on it. I have not cleaned it yet. The handle is ornately decorated and it looks like lionhead. The blade has a marking on one side close to the handle of etched lion laying down holding what looks like a scepter. There is brass/bronze type metal showing through the grime on one side, so that is probably what it will end up being once it is cleaned. Please see pictures. Thank you

 

[horseclover]

looks like 20th century Indo Persian, before 1980. Are you sure the blade mark is not a standing lion holding a sword in his right fore paw with the sun at its back? The Persian flag was a lion holding a sword. Likely a vet bring back, considering the condition. That may or may not be the original bade but the hilt certainly looks to be of from that area.

This would be the board for it but judging from your picture copyright, they may take a dim view of a one time picker inquiry.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/

oriental-arms.com is a fun site to browse

Also post to the Bernard Levine section here at BF
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/f...-Levine-s-Knife-Collecting-amp-Identification


Cheers

GC

 

[Mina2015]

Thank you, I will try to post there, I also think that the blade may not be original to the sword but the lion seems laying down/sitting not standing up. DO you think I should try to clean it?

 

[horseclover]

Ah, I see the lion when enlarging the image. I would do more than wipe it with a soft cloth and light oil for now Many collectors will like an item relatively untouched. The other end of the spectrum can be tedious if done neatly.

Cheers

GC