Kindjal (qama) for Restoration
 

Hello,

Years ago, I acquired a kindjal, the picture of which I am attaching (unfortunately, currently I only have one photo available...).

I believe it is an Ottoman kindjal, very likely originating directly from the Anatolian region. I am considering a complete yet sensitive restoration, including adding the missing parts of the handle and the missing fittings on the scabbard. During my online research, I found only a few similar types of such kindjal (or qama) and came to the conclusion that the "metal band for the hanging loop" on the upper fitting (as we are used to see on all other kindjals/qamas from the Caucasus, South Caucasus, Iran, Syria, etc.) was not present on this type of dagger. Instead, the scabbards were equipped with a relatively finely made suspension loop, welded to the back or to the side of the upper fitting.

For complete info, on the back of the scabbard, there is a nicely preserved spiral stitching with brass wire, which is typical, for example, of Ottoman sabers´ scabbards from the 19th century. Also, as you can see, the surface of the scabbard clearly shows the relief of the missing fittings.

The handle is made from a single piece of horn, and the tang extending from the blade is firmly embedded in it. The tang does not run all the way through the handle to its end, yet it holds completely firmly (I wonder what technique they used back then to achieve such strength…). The missing rivets (see the holes left behind) therefore had only a decorative function. Based on similar types I have seen, these decorative “rivets” were shaped like flowers and often made of gilded silver, adorned with red grooved coral worked into teardrop shapes.

For possible future restoration, I would appreciate photos of scabbards of this kindjal/qama type, and possibly also photos of the decorative rivets on the handle, although I have already seen a few handles. However, preserved scabbards are very rare in this case.

I would also be grateful for information on whether the inscription on the blade is in so-called Osmanlı or pure Arabic, and for its translation. In my opinion, the date mentioned corresponds to the year 1870.

Best,

Martin

Waoh ! Beautiful blade !!!

Yes it deserve a good real scabbard restoration

And sure, it’ more as qama than a kindjal ...

Fuller Question
 

Martin Lubojacky,

Interesting. Is the center fuller on both sides? When I have seen old blades, the long center fullers are usually off center and offset from one another. How common is it to see centered and aligned fullers on old blades?

Sincerely,
RobT

The central fuller is on both sides and is identical. This type is probably not as common as symmetrically distributed multiple (triple) grooves. But you are right, asymmetrical single offset fullers are probably the most common. If you enter "kindjal"or qama in the search engine, you will see lots of examples (also without fullers).

Please, would it be possible for knowledgeable and experienced colleagues to try translating the inscription on the blade and converting the date into the Gregorian calendar?
Does anyone happen to have photographs of scabbards of this type of qama?

Martin, I think you need to show better pictures for a translation, with close ups of the writing and date.

Regards, Ian

Hello,
Really nice,
Yes please put some close up pictures of the blade

A very beautiful sword

It’s not possible at the moment. I’m working abroad and my collection is at home, so I’ll get back to it in the summer during my vacation.

I am sending enlarged details of the text – cropped sections from the original photograph – and would like to ask colleagues-forumites again for help with the translation and determining the corresponding Gregorian date...

Hi,
The date as far as I can see is 1238 AH corresponding to 1822-23 AD.
Regards,
Norman.

I do not understand Arabic, but can read the script somewhat and recognize the inscriptions from other examples.

The long ones seem to be the beginning verses of the Surah Al-Fath.

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًۭا مُّبِينًۭا - Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph (last word is off, somehow, no idea what is up with that)

يَغْفِرَ لَكَ ٱللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ - so that Allah may forgive you for your past and future shortcomings (a bit missing at the end)

The short inscription over the date

يا فتاح - ya Fattah - 'the opener', one of the 99 epithets of God in Islam.

The date is as Norman says.

Dear Norman, Dear GePi,

Thank you very much for your help!

Martin