silver mounted jambia

derek · 25th August 2005, 09:20 PM

Hi,
I agree with Ariel. Yemeni and probably fairly old, definitely not made to be sold in a tourist shop.

They still make fantastic jambiyas like this today, though I have only seen them offered by Yemeni (from Sanaa) sellers at the Dubai Shopping Festival. I never ventured to Yemen as it wasn't the safest place for a yank. Anyway, I saw more than a few hundred examples and the only way I could tell the new from the old was the blade - another aspect of yours that looks older.

I notice a little hole in the leather on the back. Is there a small silver coin there with an incsription?

Carter may be able to read the back of the grip.

Nice find.
-d

Michael Blalock · 26th August 2005, 08:55 PM

Based on the shape of the grip my guess would be the Najran area of Saudi Arabia.

fernando · 27th August 2005, 07:12 PM

Thank you so much for the precious info. It would still be great to figure out the meaning of the arab engraving on the grip.
I would be so much obliged for help in this area.

Aqtai · 27th August 2005, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

Thank you so much for the precious info. It would still be great to figure out the meaning of the arab engraving on the grip.
I would be so much obliged for help in this area.

The 1st 2 words say "Omar 'Abdallah". I can't read the 3rd word.

fernando · 28th August 2005, 10:41 AM

Thanks a lot, Aqtai.
I will try and take a clearer picture of the last word, then i will request your kind help again. Maybe this last part is the family name, either from the owner or the maker ?! This would be rather interesting to know.
Thanks again

Aqtai · 28th August 2005, 03:25 PM

You're welcome. Congratulations on aquiring a beautiful weapon BTW.

fernando · 30th August 2005, 05:07 PM

Hi Gentlemen
I have a new situation here, and i kindly require your members expertize info.
As i found i could get no better defininition for the engraving on the grip, for the help of Aqtai on the third word/name, i noticed that the blade tang was fixed into the grip with silver wedges. One of these wedges is folded out, showing some markings in it. To my eyes this doesn't seem to be arabic, looking more geometrical, like hebreu. Mind you, i am influenced by what i read about yemen resident jews having been the superior silver and gold artisans, including janbiyya hilts and scabbards.
Could you Aqtai, confirm this is arabic ?
Can other forum members tell me what language this could be written on ?
Is it the wright assessment, the inscription on the pommel being the owners name, and the symbols on the blade wedge being the maker's marks?
Thank you so much for help.

30th August 2005, 05:07 PM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hi Gentlemen I have a new situation here, and i kindly require your members expertize info. As i found i could get no better defininition for the engraving on the grip, for the help of Aqtai on the third word/name, i noticed that the blade tang was fixed into the grip with silver wedges. One of these wedges is folded out, showing some markings in it. To my eyes this doesn't seem to be arabic, looking more geometrical, like hebreu. Mind you, i am influenced by what i read about yemen resident jews having been the superior silver and gold artisans, including janbiyya hilts and scabbards. Could you Aqtai, confirm this is arabic ? Can other forum members tell me what language this could be written on ? Is it the wright assessment, the inscription on the pommel being the owners name, and the symbols on the blade wedge being the maker's marks? Thank you so much for help. Attached Images

25th August 2005, 09:20 PM	#1
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Hi, I agree with Ariel. Yemeni and probably fairly old, definitely not made to be sold in a tourist shop. They still make fantastic jambiyas like this today, though I have only seen them offered by Yemeni (from Sanaa) sellers at the Dubai Shopping Festival. I never ventured to Yemen as it wasn't the safest place for a yank. Anyway, I saw more than a few hundred examples and the only way I could tell the new from the old was the blade - another aspect of yours that looks older. I notice a little hole in the leather on the back. Is there a small silver coin there with an incsription? Carter may be able to read the back of the grip. Nice find. -d

26th August 2005, 08:55 PM	#2
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	Based on the shape of the grip my guess would be the Najran area of Saudi Arabia.

27th August 2005, 07:12 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you so much for the precious info. It would still be great to figure out the meaning of the arab engraving on the grip. I would be so much obliged for help in this area.

28th August 2005, 10:41 AM	#5
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thanks a lot, Aqtai. I will try and take a clearer picture of the last word, then i will request your kind help again. Maybe this last part is the family name, either from the owner or the maker ?! This would be rather interesting to know. Thanks again

28th August 2005, 03:25 PM	#6
Aqtai Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Merseyside, UK Posts: 222	You're welcome. Congratulations on aquiring a beautiful weapon BTW.