INDIAN JAMBIYA (JUMBEEA, JUMBIYAH)

estcrh · 5th July 2017, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

I always have to consider what the difference is between an Indian Khanjar and an Indian Jambia

Simple really, a "jambiya" has a double edged, single curved blade. A khanjar has a double edged, double curved blade. These are the terms used by western collectors, dealers, museums etc.....but certain cultures such as in Oman refer to what we would call a jambiya as being a khanjar and some people simply apply whatever term they want to any dagger despite the obvious difference in blade types, below is an example, "khanjar" on the left, "jambiya" on the right.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 5th July 2017, 01:43 PM

Salaams estcrh~ That other culture as you note has an entirely different terminology ... Both blades are virtually identical in Omani Khanjars and Yemeni/ Saudia Jambias..but the scabbards are different and occasionally where they are carried on the belt changes...and Jambia janb... on the side ...occasionally refers....although if it is actually worn on the side in Yemen they call them Thumah.

As a simple rule it is an Omani Khanjar and a Yemeni Jambia. Locals never mix the two definitions. If I was to point to origins of Omani Khanjar I could indicate Persian as being the likely source. I assume therefor that Indian weapons flowed from there...but it is way back in the fog of history.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Cathey · 6th July 2017, 02:34 AM

HI Guys

Whilst I understand your skepticism, I was fortunate enough to have an expert on Indian Weapons visit me from Israel a number of years back and review all of the items in my collection including this one. This gentleman has over 500 Jambiya's in his personal collection and was the proprietor of Oriental Arms at the time.

A number of collectors attending that evening and also presented items for authentication, sadly not all passed and I confess I was also nervous at the time. Fortunately and to my surprise all of my items passed as Genuine, even those I personally had doubts about.

The gilt does look better in my photograph than in real life and has stood up better than the blade over the years. I would say the piece is late 19th Century.

Cheers Cathey and Rex

estcrh · 6th July 2017, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathey

The gilt does look better in my photograph than in real life and has stood up better than the blade over the years. I would say the piece is late 19th Century.

Which is why good, close, detailed images are really necessary in order to help determine authenticity / age etc.

6th July 2017, 02:34 AM	#3
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 284	Yes it is Genuine HI Guys Whilst I understand your skepticism, I was fortunate enough to have an expert on Indian Weapons visit me from Israel a number of years back and review all of the items in my collection including this one. This gentleman has over 500 Jambiya's in his personal collection and was the proprietor of Oriental Arms at the time. A number of collectors attending that evening and also presented items for authentication, sadly not all passed and I confess I was also nervous at the time. Fortunately and to my surprise all of my items passed as Genuine, even those I personally had doubts about. The gilt does look better in my photograph than in real life and has stood up better than the blade over the years. I would say the piece is late 19th Century. Cheers Cathey and Rex

5th July 2017, 01:43 PM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams estcrh~ That other culture as you note has an entirely different terminology ... Both blades are virtually identical in Omani Khanjars and Yemeni/ Saudia Jambias..but the scabbards are different and occasionally where they are carried on the belt changes...and Jambia janb... on the side ...occasionally refers....although if it is actually worn on the side in Yemen they call them Thumah. As a simple rule it is an Omani Khanjar and a Yemeni Jambia. Locals never mix the two definitions. If I was to point to origins of Omani Khanjar I could indicate Persian as being the likely source. I assume therefor that Indian weapons flowed from there...but it is way back in the fog of history. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi.