Hi folks,
Merry Xmas to you all. This is my first posting although I read a lot of your discussions but unfortunately have been a little lazy to post myself. However I feel that I can add some worthwhile comments here.
With regards to the khanjars originally posted by Gav. I have found them all over the UAE and Omani area. Many are displayed in the Dubai museum - for what it is. However don't rush there as it's quite small. I generally refer to them as Omani style from the SE corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The book " Disappearing Treasures of Oman" by Forster gives a pretty good description of these khanjars with some indication of identifying the town of manufacture by the scabbard design. In addition, having looked at a few of these khanjars I think the design of the toe or chape could give an indication of age as a cheap rounded version seems to have appeared over the last 30 years to make tourist manufacture easy.
With regards to identifying the different styles of jambiyas over the broader Peninsula. This I think is an interesting topic. Just in the southern Peninsula area I think there are at least twelve khanjar/jambiya varieties classified on regional or design criteria. Varying from Oman khanjars to the Sabiki but not entering into the realms of swords.
As raised by Artzi it is difficult to classify these daggers as the locals tend to mix and match the hilts, blades and scabbards depending on fashion. However the purists in Yemen believe you have to consider both the hilt and scabbard in identifying the dagger. Both pieces had an original birth and match. You are more likely to get a correct match of original dagger and scabbard with those pieces where the fitting between these items is very precise - example Omani khanjar - and less likely with a Sanaa thouma where any dagger which fits can be used.
I agree in that it's difficult to find pieces over 200 years old and it's very pleasing to have the 1763 example mentioned in Elgood. I also would also not have classified it as 250 years old just on the belt design. I have seen a similar sheath to this one. Very old and worn with the stamp of the Imam in the silver. Pre 200 years I think we are going into the era of iron or chunky silver scabbards which is a whole other topic.
Guys, thats about it for now. Hope I have added something.
Regards,
Steve
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