Iraqi Marsh dagger

Kubur · 23rd May 2017, 11:15 PM

Hi,

Is it possible that some Iraqi Marsh daggers have a rhino hilt?
Do you have any example? Normally it's water buffalo I guess...

thanks
Kubur

Martin Lubojacky · 24th May 2017, 11:49 AM

Hi Kubur, I don´t have such example, But "normally" doesnot mean, that it is a rule .... In their neighbourhood (all round) it was common material in the past.

Kubur · 24th May 2017, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Hi Kubur, I don´t have such example, But "normally" doesnot mean, that it is a rule .... In their neighbourhood (all round) it was common material in the past.

Hi Martin,

Well the best is probably to post a photo...
What do you think?
Is it wood???

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 24th May 2017, 04:17 PM

Yes it looks like wood but get a powerful small light and shine it into the object closely... It will illuminate if it is Rhino. The splitting may indicate wood ...

See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=omani+khanjar #post 87 to see what I mean.

Forum looked at the problem at http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=rhino:shrug:

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Sajen · 24th May 2017, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

Hi Martin,

Well the best is probably to post a photo...
What do you think?
Is it wood???

Wood!

mariusgmioc · 25th May 2017, 06:23 AM

Examining rhino horn with a magnifying glass would reveal its hairy structure.

Regards,

Marius

Martin Lubojacky · 25th May 2017, 08:08 AM

This is very probably wood (looks like willow wood ?).
To resolve the problem it some times also help to see the structure on the edges of the object and cross sections of the objects. And also (not in this case), to clean the object.
Best
Martin

motan · 25th May 2017, 01:18 PM

Hi Kubur,
I tend to agree with Martin, even though I am certainly not an expert on Rhino horn. This looks like a basic, workman's version of the Marsh Arab dagger that has seen a lot pf use (see the ring in the middle of hilt) and therefore, it is improbable that it was made from such a precious material. But this is purely circumstatial evidence. Also, it seems that at the base of the pommel you can vagely see knots, which are not present in horn. In the picture is one I recently bought in a London auction. Unfortunately, I have not succeeded in arranging for shipping yet due to the strange restriction of UK post and customs. It is also a basic version, but the hilt is made of very carefully worked black buffalo horn.

Kubur · 25th May 2017, 03:10 PM

Dear All,

Thank you.
I confirm...wood...but it's always good to dream
...

Kubur

23rd May 2017, 11:15 PM	#1
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Iraqi Marsh dagger Hi, Is it possible that some Iraqi Marsh daggers have a rhino hilt? Do you have any example? Normally it's water buffalo I guess... thanks Kubur

24th May 2017, 04:17 PM	#4
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Yes it looks like wood but get a powerful small light and shine it into the object closely... It will illuminate if it is Rhino. The splitting may indicate wood ... See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=omani+khanjar #post 87 to see what I mean. Forum looked at the problem at http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=rhino:shrug: Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 24th May 2017 at 04:30 PM.

25th May 2017, 01:18 PM	#8
motan Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Jerusalem Posts: 274	Hi Kubur, I tend to agree with Martin, even though I am certainly not an expert on Rhino horn. This looks like a basic, workman's version of the Marsh Arab dagger that has seen a lot pf use (see the ring in the middle of hilt) and therefore, it is improbable that it was made from such a precious material. But this is purely circumstatial evidence. Also, it seems that at the base of the pommel you can vagely see knots, which are not present in horn. In the picture is one I recently bought in a London auction. Unfortunately, I have not succeeded in arranging for shipping yet due to the strange restriction of UK post and customs. It is also a basic version, but the hilt is made of very carefully worked black buffalo horn. Attached Images

24th May 2017, 11:49 AM	#2
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 841	Hi Kubur, I don´t have such example, But "normally" doesnot mean, that it is a rule .... In their neighbourhood (all round) it was common material in the past.

25th May 2017, 06:23 AM	#6
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	Examining rhino horn with a magnifying glass would reveal its hairy structure. Regards, Marius

25th May 2017, 08:08 AM	#7
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 841	This is very probably wood (looks like willow wood ?). To resolve the problem it some times also help to see the structure on the edges of the object and cross sections of the objects. And also (not in this case), to clean the object. Best Martin

25th May 2017, 03:10 PM	#9
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Dear All, Thank you. I confirm...wood...but it's always good to dream ... Kubur