Ottoman Kard with Repurposed Yataghan Turkish Ribbon Blade
Here's an example of "tribal" Ottoman kard with what seems to be repurposed yataghan blade. the blade was likely damaged and re-fitted into kard at the time it was still in use. It has 6-twisted core Turkish Ribbon pattern, stylized cartouche and punched star-patterned symbols typical of Yataghan blades, and also three inscribed Arabic words/names. The handle is bone with brass studs, shell and coral inserts and ivory final. Similar handle decorations are found on Syrian shamshir handles of 19th C Ottoman period. so I think it could be of that area, or perhaps Balkan (Albanian?) Any comments are most welcome.
|