Gorgeous antique shamshir sword with precious damascus watered steel wootz blade. 
Most likely was made for british officer serving in india during the "sunset" of great mughal empire. 
Circa early 19th century (1810 - 1830's) with 18th century heirloom precious p-e-r-s-i-a-n blade.
Magnificent figural "tiger" hilt with articulated tongue and silver chains. 
Hilt and scabbard mounts made of bronze or brass covered with very heavy silver "overlay" - very unusual for mughal indian sword, similar to "sheffield plate". ("sheffield plate" is technique when heavy gauge sheet of silver is fused to base metal, mostly used in england from late 18th century until about middle of 19th century).
Dramatically carved superb quality p-e-r-s-i-a-n blade is forged of precious "black" wootz damascus watered steel, also known as kara-khorasan (kara-taban). 
Worn, but well noticeable islamic calligraphy cartouche on one side. Originally cartouche was inlaid with gold, which now is completely gone from centuries of cleaning and polishing (last picture).
(stunning watered wootz pattern is well visible throughout entire blade, but would benefit from professional etching and polishing). 
Wooden scabbard with silvered mounts covered with maroon color antique fabric. 
Looks like fabric was replaced long ago.
    size:
About 33 5/8 in. (85.5 cm) long in scabbard (straight line).   
About 32 3/4 in. (83.2 cm) long out of scabbard.
Blade is about 28 in. (71 cm) long and 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) wide at widest point.
   condition: 
Overall very good solid antique condition, shows honest wear and charming indication of age.
Uncleaned sharp blade is in excellent antique condition with few very (very!) Minor nicks at cutting edge and very light dark spots.  
Looks like scabbard was restored some time ago with antique fabric, shows minor wear. About 2.5 inches open seam near the drag.
Some play between blade and hilt. 
Absolutely magnificent collectors grade example