The “ regulation Khyber Knife” in the Afghani Army at end of the 19th – beginning of

[mahratt]

However, there are details suggesting that it might be the earliest transitional step. The grip slabs are wooden, which is not typical for the “ethnic” variety, the blade carries Mazar-i-Sharif stamp, and the scabbard is identical to the one described for the “Khyber with guard”. The main proof of our hypothesis are the stamps customarily attributed to Mazar-i-Sharif. In fact, there are stamps of the state arsenal in Kabul, - the Mashin Khana. These two patterns differ from each other, as mentioned by Bert van der Molen.
”Even though there are multiple variants of the stamps, they always have the image of a Mihrab, - a prayer niche turned toward Mecca and Minbar, - a movable dais with steps inside the mosque. It is a symbol of the importance of Islam in the life of the country. The cannons made during Abdur Rahman’s rule were all stamped with the shahada “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet”. What are the differences between the stamps? Before 1898 the stamp was arc-formed, after 1898 and till 1901 it became rectangular with a square “roof”. Khabibullah Khan introduced a ring of 8 rays – “khatam“ (“the stamp of the prophets”). Khatam also means “the last one of his kind”, - which may be refered either to Khabibulla or to Mohammed. Khatam is present on all weapons from 1901 till 1929. Underneath the stamp there are images of cannons and yataghans, symbolizing the importance of the army for the country. Rarely there are images of the “David’s Star” which is an Islamic symbol as well. The rarity of markings allows us to pinpoint the age of the weapon after 1896. If manufactured at the time of Khabibullah (1901-1919) it has a cannon above the Mikhrab, if at the time of Amanullah (1919-1929) there is a pulwar, a traditional Afghan saber” (10)
These dating points fully confirm our hypothesis of the evolution from the strictly ethnic Khyber to the regulation pattern. The lastly-discussed sample has an arc-formed stamp,

[mahratt]

but the “regulation” pattern has either square stamps or stamps with Khatam (as shown here) testifying to their later manufacture

[mahratt]

The last 2 variants discussed in this paper were likely manufactured in small numbers and thus were not widely known. They are stamped with a pattern not described by van der Molen: their stamps are round, with the image of the Blue Mosque of the Mazar-i-Sharif in the center (the reason why they were traditionally attributed there). Under the image of the mosque both samples we were able to examine carry an inscription in Farsi and numerals 1300 (Lunar Hidjra), i.e. 1883-1884.

[mahratt]

Therefore, they are transitional steps in the evolution of the Khyber from Ethnic to the Regulation. Having attributed the 4 variants and considering the increasing importance of the European weapons during that period, we can tentatively time the progression steps

[mahratt]

The timescale shown here demonstrates the increasing European influence upon Afghani weaponry at the end of the 19th century. Thus, we think that we are within our rights to suggest that the side arm under review is in fact a variant of a true Khyber. Thus, we propose that the side arm described as Afghan Military Sword should in fact be called Afghan Military (or Regulation) Khyber.

[Gavin Nugent]

Congratulations on a wonerful treatise.

As a point of note, without consideration to the size, I can only suggest the term "knife" was used because the blade profile for the most part is a knife shape when you consider what a Victorian era kitchen knife looked like rather than the shape typically noted as a sword or sabre of the day.

Again, a great read, congrats.

Gavin

[Mercenary]

Very interesting article.
This is a rare example of the evolution of ethnic weapons.
Thanks a lot!

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by mahratt

The timescale shown here demonstrates the increasing European influence upon Afghani weaponry at the end of the 19th century. Thus, we think that we are within our rights to suggest that the side arm under review is in fact a variant of a true Khyber. Thus, we propose that the side arm described as Afghan Military Sword should in fact be called Afghan Military (or Regulation) Khyber.

Salaams Mahratt ~ My hat comes off to you ! Bravo !! Bravo !!

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Gavin Nugent]

I would like to add that the regulation hilt type with the guard has also been seen on Shamshir blades and perhaps other types of wapons held in these manufacturing plants that we have not yet seen

Gavin