19c Balkan Greco-Turkish Yataghan?
 

Possibly Bulgarian? Karakulak? Comments and any other info appreciated. Thanks.


The Auctioneer kept saying I was from UK and the other bidder was from Bulgaria. If he's one of our members, sorry, but :p.


Sadly, no scabbard, blade appears rusty but not pitted. Tiny bit of tip gone.



Unusual brass bolster/tunkou finger ring as part of the grip. Wood slab sides. 62 cm. overall.



Will be doing a bit of cleaning & active rust/verdigris removal. Will post better pics after...

...Reminds me of my Espada Ancha. :D

It does not look like any of the shepherds' knives coming out of Bulgaria. I have no idea where it is from, but the ring is very unusual and interesting.

There may be some markings or decorations under the rust. Hopefully, they will survive cleaning.

That finger ring has a very "German" look to me, as in influence or ethnicity. Pandour yatagan anyone?

It arrived a day or so ago.

Blade is 51 cm. LOA is 62 cm.
Weight is 715gm. feels heavy. Flat spine, no false edge/yelman. No fullers. No apparent engraving yet. One stamp that is a bit indistinct. small ear yat grip, black horn (i.e. karakulak) rivets/ bolster/tonku/ring are brass or bronze.
Brushed off loose red stuff and verdigris.


stamp area appears to have a very turkish looking stamp, but can't tell yet. VBit more cleaning then oiling to do.


Pics:

Bit more cleaning around the blade stamp mark

Slightly better HDR 'macro' photo of stamp: