Persian Qajar Dagger

[DaveA]

Dom,
Thank you for posting this beautiful item!

I notice that the overall shape of blade and hilt, and hilt decoration, is similar to one in my collection although many details differ. Mine is provisionally identified as Persian and I welcome any comments that would shed more light on its identification. Here are some pictures for your consideration.
Best Regards,
David A.

[Dom]

Originally Posted by DaveA

Dom,
Thank you for posting this beautiful item!

I notice that the overall shape of blade and hilt, and hilt decoration, is similar to one in my collection although many details differ.
Mine is provisionally identified as Persian and I welcome any comments that would shed more light on its identification. Here are some pictures for your consideration.
Best Regards,
David A.

Hi David
indeed, your "jambiya" seems to be from the same origin
it's a pity that, there is no scabbard, because the dagger was certainly having a nice one

anyway, the decor on ricasso, with the "2 peacock" is typically Qajar, or Persian

what's funny, I guess that our two daggers have the same slight defect;
- the blade is not firmly sealed in the hilt, there is some play

I have extrapolated for yours, looking at the pictures,
but mine has this little problem

did you get a close look at the blade ? no evidence for a special steel ?

all the best

à +

Dom

[DaveA]

Indeed, the steel is special and shows good watering. Here is a photo before I did an etch and polish. I will make some new photos and post them for you.

I too am sorry not to have a scabbard to match!

I'm wondering why both weapons have this slight defect in the hilt. My blade is firmly seated, with no play, however as you noted it looks bent. Could it be that the blades have moved in this way because they struck something hard? There is no evidence of damage to the edge.

[Lew]

Hi Dave

I really can't make out any discernible pattern in the steel . As far as both of your daggers having issues with fit at the hilt it just is a sign of poor fit and finish often seen on early to mid 20th pieces. Here is one from my collection with a wootz blade from about 1850 or so. You can see that Dom's is more 20th century than 19th and yours is more Indian than Persian in style.

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by Lew

Hi Dave

I really can't make out any discernible pattern in the steel ....e.

The pictures are disappointing in that regard. I agree.
I will endeavor to take a better picture. The lighting angle and maybe color seems to have a lot to do with how well patterns show up. If anyone has clues on blade photography and or filters/effects that bring out the pattern, I'd love to learn.

Dave

[Lew]

Dave

I oil my blade and place it near window and use indirect light than I adjust the photo contrast and midtone with my software.