Yataghan, Balkan?

TVV · 9th May 2008, 02:38 AM

Balkan indeed. When it comes to differentiating between yataghans from dofferent regions, it is similar to keris - you watch for details such as the size of ears, the decoration on the bolster and the band around the hilt, different techniques, such as repousse, gilting and niello, etc. I do not think there is a deffinitive reference, although Astvatsaturian's book on Turkish Arms is very helpful. And since it is hard to explain, it can be really frustrating - for me it is frustrating when it comes to qamas - I can distinguish the Balkan and to a degree the Turkish and Persian ones, but the ones from the Caucasus are still a mystery to me to a large degree.
Very nice yataghan by the way, congratulations! Very nice dark patina on the walruss scales.

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9th May 2008, 02:38 AM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,660	Balkan indeed. When it comes to differentiating between yataghans from dofferent regions, it is similar to keris - you watch for details such as the size of ears, the decoration on the bolster and the band around the hilt, different techniques, such as repousse, gilting and niello, etc. I do not think there is a deffinitive reference, although Astvatsaturian's book on Turkish Arms is very helpful. And since it is hard to explain, it can be really frustrating - for me it is frustrating when it comes to qamas - I can distinguish the Balkan and to a degree the Turkish and Persian ones, but the ones from the Caucasus are still a mystery to me to a large degree. Very nice yataghan by the way, congratulations! Very nice dark patina on the walruss scales.