Origins of this yatagan.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by ariel

In the last set of pics, the fourth from below, scabbard fitting: isn't there a half-moon and a star?

To me it looks like a half moon and star, sort of stylized. The tip of the scabbard looks like a fish head, it reminds me of the balkan style scabbard tip.

[estcrh]

This yatagan is similar in some ways, the blade has gold marking on one side and silver on the other, the scabbard ends are similar as is the grip which may be wood, it is the closest I have seen.

[Helleri]

This is probably the least helpful comment. But when in it's scabbard, it looks like a fish...just sayin'.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Helleri

This is probably the least helpful comment. But when in it's scabbard, it looks like a fish...just sayin'.

It's not crazy at all as a lot of Ottoman scabbards have a terminal with a fish head or sea monster head. Just note that the double tip is maybe a symbol of the zulfikar...very common amongst arm makers in the Balkans...

[Battara]

Thanks for the close ups. Now I see that this is truly more unusual than I originally thought. Though still leaning Balkan, it now does not seem as Balkan as I thought now that I see these later picture close ups.

Regarding the 2nd example, what region does it come from in the Ottoman Empire?

Also I agree with Kubur regarding the fish/monster scabbard finial. Quite common on Ottoman yataghans, both on sword and dagger styles.

[ariel]

The one with a silver handle has round non-striated red stones ( corals?) .
I recall that Elgood mentioned it as a specific sign of manufacture in Foca.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Battara

Thanks for the close ups. Now I see that this is truly more unusual than I originally thought. Though still leaning Balkan, it now does not seem as Balkan as I thought now that I see these later picture close ups.

Regarding the 2nd example, what region does it come from in the Ottoman Empire?

Also I agree with Kubur regarding the fish/monster scabbard finial. Quite common on Ottoman yataghans, both on sword and dagger styles.

Thanks to everyone who commented.

Is this the yatagan you mean (Regarding the 2nd example, what region does it come from in the Ottoman Empire?), if so it is from the Met.


Ottoman (Anatolian or Balkan) yatagan / yataghan, dated 1802–3, steel, silver, gold, coral, Length 29 in. (73.66 cm) Length of blade, 23 1/8 in. (58.72 cm), Wt. 3 lb. 8 oz. (1588 g). Met Museum. The yatagan was popular throughout the Ottoman Empire. It is distinguished by a single-edged blade that curves slightly inward and by a hilt with no guard and two flared wings at the pommel.

[TVV]

I am sorry but am I the only one here who feels we are debating late 20th century (at best) fittings? Referring to the yataghan starting this thread and the one in post 18, not the Foca examples of course.

Teodor