Quote:
Originally Posted by gp
Indeed one has to be careful with decoration and text on blades of swords of the Balkans, Greek Isles and Ottoman Empire.
Like the band Bajaga sang "Nije votka rakija," vodka is not rakija 
There are a lot of forgeries, next to marriages also later additions on old blades...some real some made just to drive up prices...
I noticed lately some yataghans with "fancy" text in Arabic lettering but also poor to bad quality or perhaps fantasy ones; it could be done by a simple man from the country side but also poor / bad immitation or as said before forgeries....
Not only swords but also bichaqs....
So I prefer to follow books like :
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=Dubrovnik
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...9&postcount=10
or websites like
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=elgood&page=2
but stay away from doubtfull or to expensive swords and daggers...just to be safe 
Vozi Misko...sorry Vozi Serdar ☺☼☺
FYI : Vozi means "drive" and "Vozi Misko" is a kind inside joke in the former Yugoslavia with no offence intended but brings a smile to the face of ex Yu guys |
There are forgeries indeed, but they are easily recognized, especialy on yataghans.
I seen a very good forgeries of hussar swords and karabela swords, mostly originating from hungary and some from poland, but allso, they are easily spoted if you take sword in hands.
I stick to one rule, never buyng a sword especialy expensive one online or if i cant hold it in my hands first.
Uvijek rakija ispred votke! Mada moj izbor je armanjak.
Allways raki over vodka, but generaly my choice is armagnac. 😃👍🏻