Sword, sheath and belt shamshir Iranian blade, 17th century with later hilt and mounts, Lucknow, 18th or early 19th century.

Given by the Executors of the late Captain Alfred Hutton

As originally arranged and displayed in Exhibition Road Indian Museum galleries until 1955, with some additions while in storage, case F.716
The accession inventory describes it as:

Sabre (Shamsher); 17th century blade watered in the Persian style: the hilt, collar, slings and chape of Indo-Persian, 18th century, painted enamel on gold.
Taken at capture of Lucknow in 1858. Belonged to the Wazir (known as Lucknow Moulvie) of the rebel Begum of Lucknow during the Mutiny.
Gift
The Executors of the late Capt. Alfred Hutton (per Col: C G R Matthey)
Received 10 Feb 1911

Given by the Executors of the late Captain Alfred Hutton, 78 Hatton Garden, E.C. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1911-610 M

Taken at the Capture of Lucknow in 1858. Belonged to the Wazir Maulavi Ahmadullah Shah, a noted and respected leader of the 'rebels' during the Indian Mutiny.

This sword has an Iranian blade with a hilt added in Lucknow in the 18th or early 19th century. It was acquired in India by Captain Alfred Hutton (1839-1910). According to the information supplied by his executors when the sword was bequeathed in 1911, it was 'Taken at the Siege of Lucknow in 1858'. Hutton was a famous swordsman whose book about swords, Cold Steel, was published in 1889. He owned a number of Indian swords and other arms which were all left to the V&A in 1911, together with his collection of fencing and duelling literature.

IM.46 to B-1911