Jambiya/Khanjar for comment. Also translation please
 

A very recent addition to my collection is this large Khanjar originating from the south west arabian Tihama Region, and collected in Yemen. It measures top to bottom 19" (480mm approx). There is an inscription on the reverse side of the pommel and I can make out in arabic the date 1278 which if I am correct translates to 1861, which would be about right for the age of the item. I think there is more in the inscription, so if anyone can help, it would be appreciated.
Regards Stuart

Hi Stuart

I've like a bad feeling ... you'll dislike me :o

your very recent addition to your collection, is a very recent production ... :o

to write digit, they are two (2) forms
- printing
- hand writting (it's our case)
the digit "two" (2) is often the subject at confusion as well in our case, the date is 1378 Hegire either 1958 Gregorian :shrug:

on my humble point of view, it's not a "khanjar" (bent blade) ,
but a "jambyia" (long blade) yemenite shape, but manufactured in Jeddah - KSA :o

the arabic mention said;
Amal Mohamed Midwane - 1378 - Jeddah
translated by
made by Mohamed Midwane - 1958 - Jeddah - KSA :shrug:

deeply sorry, but facts are facts

à +

Dom

I have seen this type of inscription a number of times. Usually it is a remembrance of ancestors. I think dom is right this is a late piece and the arabic is nice and clear. That particular type of punch inscription was used typicaly from the 1940-1960s era

Hi Stuart,
What an attractive piece! Congratulations.
Even 1958 means its just celebrated its half century! A very respectable score in cricket, and a respectable age for a quality dagger.

Regards
Gene

Hi Dom,
Thank you for that, and NO I am not disappointed at all! I had already established that the date COULD be 1378, as the Arabic 2 and 3 are similar in shape. I was hoping that you would reply to this post and I thank you for the additional translation. As far as the description of this item is concerned, I also agree the the name "jambiya" is more correct than "khanjar" for knives originating from western Arabia. Either way, its a nice piece and I am very happy with it.
Thanks also for the kind comments of other Members.
Regards Stuart

Hi Stuart
Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله) "Praise to God" that you are very happy with, and trust me, it's a nice piece :D
that Jambyia remind me when I was residing in Jeddah, and spending hours in the Yemenite market, where was ....
was coze since Koweit war, almost of Yemenites have been banished,
blacksmith, craftsmen, manufacturing sword handles in silver (I have one), jambyia, Khanjar
even, I saw ... some recent guns under modifications, or copy ... :p
but also, Bedouin jewels in silver ... nostalgia :o

à +

Dom