25th February 2016, 10:55 PM | #1 |
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Help with translation and ID
This is another recent purchase and a bit of a mystery. Jambiya are one of the few weapons I feel like I know a little something about, but this one has me stumped. It has a horn hilt. I believe it is rhino. The sheath is interesting. I've not seen another one like this. And the hilt is unusually small at under 3". It has the look and feel of an old piece. I would guess early 20th. I am hoping the writing on the blade will provide some clues. Can anyone help with the translation? TIA!
Harry |
26th February 2016, 08:15 AM | #2 |
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rotated right way up is layering like that pommel end shot typical of a rhino grip? the star of david is often seen on yemeni knives, hebrew makers were an accepted part of the community as 'people of the book'.
Last edited by kronckew; 26th February 2016 at 08:28 AM. |
26th February 2016, 01:00 PM | #3 | |
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After a closer inspection I have come to two possible conclusions about this knife. First, it is a different beast. The hilt is noticeably smaller than that of any other Jambiya I have seen. The second thing that strike me, and something you notice as soon as you pick it up, is its weight. It weighs almost nothing, and yet it is all business. This is no toy. I think this may have been intentional and is the reason the hilt does not have the metal band typically found around the base of the hilt. I think weight may also have been the driving force behind the embossed brass sheath cover. It is durable and light. The blade is forged and good steel. Too good for the owner to have been a cheapskate. I think this is one of two things: - a knife meant for a child - what I call a "keeper". Items get heavy after a while. People throw away things they would never have dreamed they would toss once they realize their survival may depend on lightening their load. Not the one though. It weighs almost nothing. Thanks much for the help. I hope someone can translate the Arabic. Harry |
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26th February 2016, 06:20 PM | #4 |
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mine also has a small but comfortable 4 in. grip, but a plain leather sheath & small belt, tho the scabbard is lined with red felt and the belt lined with white felt. it has brass banding across the front of the grip and sheet brass covering the back. no stars or inscriptions on the sharpened 7 in. blade.
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26th February 2016, 07:15 PM | #5 | |
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I have a Jambiya with a hilt decoration very similar to yours, although not nearly as nice. Harry |
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26th February 2016, 07:17 PM | #6 |
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Hi Harry, Not sure about that hilt being rhino as the end of the rhino hilts usually shows the typical "orange peel" texture. Your one does not appear to show this.....
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26th February 2016, 08:42 PM | #7 | |
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Harry |
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26th February 2016, 09:30 PM | #8 |
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Interesting knives but nothing Rhino about these.
Gavin |
26th February 2016, 10:39 PM | #9 | |
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27th February 2016, 12:33 AM | #10 | |
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If I am wrong in my comments I stand corrected, but I am sure that (maybe) GAVIN will confirm my comment. Stu |
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