The sword has always been important in ancient wars. The forms and decorations of swords have undergone many changes in time. Its use has changed from a fully functional object to a purely decorative object. During the Safavid and Qajar periods, noticeable changes appeared on it, so the main question is: what are the features of Safavid and Qajar swords? The first goal is to know the decorative elements used in Safavid and Qajar swords, and the second one is to identify the differences and similarities of the research samples in terms of form and decorations. Therefore, with a descriptive-analytical and historical method with a comparative approach, relying on library sources and gathering information in an observational field research, the swords of the Safavid and Qajar eras have been investigated. The research uses a stratified sampling method. The statistical population is divided into several sub-communities based on the names of the kings, and two swords were randomly selected from each.
The results indicate that the materials used to make the blade and some decoration techniques, such as gold plating and engraving, have been constant in both periods. Also, the following differences were identified: loss of quality of the materials used, changes in the shape of the blades, and increase of the decoration techniques, especially in handles of swords. Safavid sword-making has gone through the stages of growth, evolution, and brilliance of steelmaking and sword-making from the beginning to the end of this period. Although sword-making in the Qajar era can be seen as the continuation of Safavid blade-smithing; gradually, through contact with the West and because of the advent of firearms into the field of war weapons, it underwent changes that led to the creation of works of fusion of Iranian and Western art. The practical aspect of swords has changed, and swords have become more symbolic and decorative. Finally, by comparing the swords of the Safavid and Qajar periods, it is concluded that although Qajar sword-making is a continuation of Safavid sword-making, as a result of not paying enough attention to the changes in its usage, it has become only a decorative object merely used in ceremonies as a sign of the wealth of the owner. In this era, the Iranian craftworker was so immersed in the blind influence of the West and the excessive decorations of the sword that he forgot to adjust it according to the needs of the day, and so, over time, the sword has become a separate part of the culture of this border, and this has caused the decline of this precious industry.