Interesting Badek(?) found in Timonium

[Bob A]

The MACA show this year was somewhat smaller than in pre-Covid times, but there was no shortage of worthy objects. I was fortunate enough to find this little knife (overall 27 cm; blade ~17 cm).

After purchase, Oliver Pinchot was kind enough to translate and interpret the unusual design element. The "ears" of the scabbard form the Arabic script for "Allah" and the inscriptions shown translate as "There is no hero like Ali" and "There is no sword like Zulfikar."

Itseems interesting enough to post here. The workmanship on the scabbard seems to be pretty high level, to my inexperienced eyes.

[Sajen]

Nice little Sulawesi badik, I like the pamor and the interesting loops for the belt.

Is the handle from wood or ivory? The silver work isn't the best, sorry, but better in front than in back.
Many silver covered badik scabbards are present with inscriptions, see my both examples in silver. Age I guess between 1930 and 1940.

Regards,
Detlef

[Bob A]

Hilt is wood, with nice chatoyance.

The "belt loops" are to be read as Arabic characters for "Allah" rather than to act as attachments for a belt. I suspect it might be disrespectful to consider it as mere attachment hardware, but that's just a guess on my part.

The metalwork on the front of the scabbard is pretty delicate work, IMO; I'll grant that the back is plain, leaving an area for the inscription.

I'd say your assumption of the age of your example as between 1930 and 1940 is accurate, as the inscription dates it to 29 April, 1939.

[Gavin Nugent]

A nice addition to your collections Bob.

[Ian]

Bob, I think you have a good-looking badik. The repousse silverwork is attractively done, even if not of the very highest quality, although the "Allah" attachments look a bit crude in their execution and perhaps are not original to the ensemble. The blade shows a nice pattern. Overall, a nice pick-up and a good addition to your collection.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Bob A

Hilt is wood, with nice chatoyance.

Hello Bob,

I've thought like this but wasn't sure. Indeed a beautiful looking wood.

Originally Posted by Bob A

The "belt loops" are to be read as Arabic characters for "Allah" rather than to act as attachments for a belt. I suspect it might be disrespectful to consider it as mere attachment hardware, but that's just a guess on my part.

I know, the only word I am able to realize. But I am very positive that they were used to attach the dagger safely. I don't see any disrespectfulness by this. When not used for that purpose they would be rather distracting by wearing.

Originally Posted by Bob A

The metalwork on the front of the scabbard is pretty delicate work, IMO; I'll grant that the back is plain, leaving an area for the inscription.

My comment wasn't meant to be pejorative. The silver work in front of your example is nice for sure but not the best I've seen. Also my examples shows distinctions in quality. The one with hippo ivory hilt is much better worked than my other example.

Originally Posted by Bob A

I'd say your assumption of the age of your example as between 1930 and 1940 is accurate, as the inscription dates it to 29 April, 1939.

I am aware that my examples are dated, both, the other one under the scabbard foot with 16.8.38.
My guess was for your example since it's very similar to my examples.

Regards,
Detlef