Unusual Balkan "Yataghan" for Comments

[Dom]

Good Day Teodor,
how to say that the name "Zarif" is certainly Arabic in origin ?

it's because the evidence is not probative that I have put a (?) and wrote (reading under reserve)
the " tune " has been transcribed in European script, but don't sound Arabic at all

in fact, I looked for in the "net" what was answers with that spelling,
what I have found the nearest, is Armenian name (Zarifian)
now, I have I dug bit more, I found a Muslim (according with the first name), an "Zarif Mohamed"
Date :between 1875 et 1900
Record/Source: Frenchman disembarkation from boat in New York

so, our guy could be a Persian, that's is established

what which seems more or less standard is that some weapons, not only from Persia,
are signed by the blade-smith/blacksmith,
and sometimes added the name of the owner of the weapon is added ...
certainly at his request, for the second reference

for instance, I have in my small collection, a "Pala" with following mentions
- a mark stamped on blade by the blade-smith/blacksmith (untranslated ...yet, unsuccessful )
- cartouche with owner name and date
- cartouche with identification of regiment
- cartouche with virile declaration against his enemy/enemies
all "cartouche" in gold koftgari, and for sure, have been done under request of the owner

at least that's what I think, but I'm not an expert, just an "amateur"

best regards

à +

Dom

[CharlesS]

Is it possible to get some better pics of the fullering?

[AJ1356]

A very nice item indeed. The inscription is not super clear to me but I think DOM did a great job of putting it together. The blade at least is Persian Safawid, with the royal lion seal. Which means it was made in the royal arsenal. Very nice and old and in great shape.

[Dom]

Originally Posted by Dom

Good Day Teodor,
how to say that the name "Zarif" is certainly Arabic in origin ?

Teodor I have to apologize to you ...
you were right,
how I can explain this misunderstanding ?

who took courses management knows well the problem of distorted messages, when this one, it's repeated ... here my explanation

for the forum's translations, I prepare the best copy of the pic attached, sometimes I emphasized it, for more easier reading, then
- my translator thought about the problem proposed, then, gives me her opinion, but not all her thoughts, who conducted to her answer
- I received a verbal message only, but ... not the brain storming, sometimes (like for our subject) she gave me some indications about difficulties met
- on my side, I seek, or research, how to confirm or disprove his statements
- at that time, I put in writing what I "think" have understood

our native languages ​​are French and Arabic,
but on a daily basis we use the English / U.S. at home ... again, an other risk of distortion

all that to say that "Zarif" is an Arabic name as its meaning is "funny"
in fact, it's the decryption by itself it was a problem, not the name, as I thought wrongly

her latest comments today was to say, that perhaps it is " Zarifou" should be read (same signification),
but it changes nothing, for nothing

sorry again for the misunderstanding,
I am a little ashamed of having been too presumptuous through my reply to your message
this will teach me to want to play ... a smart ass

all the best

à +

Dom

[TVV]

Dom,
No need to apologize at all. Again, thank you and your translator for the help in this thread: without your assistance the inscriptions would simply be a nice piece of caligraphy with no meaning. Now at least we know beyond any doubt that this is a Persian blade, pehaps even intended for use in Persia.

AJ, thank you very much for you input as well. Was the lion stamp reserved for the royal Persian arsenal only, or was it copied on all kinds of blades as a symbol of quality, say, similar to the Gurda markings on many swords?

Charles, I will ask for pictures of the fullering. I am assuming you are mostly interested in the area close to the tip, is this correct?

Regards,
Teodor

[CharlesS]

Yes, Theodor.

[AJ1356]

The lion was specifically for the royal armory. there are many quality blades but since they were not made in the royal armoury they do not adorn the lion seal.

[TVV]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Yes, Theodor.

Charles,

Here are some pictures of the fulelring near the tip. Is this what you were looking for?

Thank you,
Teodor