My first yatagan

shayde78 · 18th February 2022, 03:58 PM

Some additional photos (apologies for any duplicated posting - my eyes aren't what they used to be!)

Saracen · 19th February 2022, 11:42 PM

You're lucky. This is a very good Greek Yataghan of the late 18th - early 19th century (maybe a little earlier). When you get it in your hands, take a closer look at the handle. A pleasant surprise is possible (rhino horn). There is also a very likely Turkish ribbon.

kai · 20th February 2022, 06:40 PM

I was thinking along the same lines when looking at the pics:
The hilt looks like a safe bet on rhino; any pattern-welding would be another bonus.

Good quality piece that has seen some repairs. Blade has obviously been over-cleaned recently and needs some TLC to bring out the full beauty as well as to bring overall appearance in line with original craftsmanship. Be very careful with the scabbard - based on the pics, I wouldn't try to restore it, I guess.

And please let me know in case you get bored with it...

Regards,
Kai

shayde78 · 1st March 2022, 12:01 AM

Thank you Saracen and Kai!

This is great news, and is close to what I had hoped, even if my knowledge is lacking.

I also had a degree of confidence it might be a rhino hilt.

A few additional questions:
- what are the features that allow this to be identified as Greek?
- What features lead you to believe this is at least 200 years old?
- What technique do you recommend to bring out any pattern (I.e. Turkish ribbon)? Vinegar? Coffee?
- The standard seems to be boiled leather, as it is quite hard and tooled. Any suggestions on how to preserve so it doesn't deteriorate further?
- How often does a leather scabbard survive with one of these? It isn't as precious as other examples I have seen, so it makes sense the more valuable ones survive more often than this humble example
- Any thoughts about the maker's mark?

Thanks again for sharing your expertise!
-Rob

shayde78 · 2nd May 2022, 08:40 PM

Thanks again for the feedback from the other month.
I have the item in my possession (I have for a while now). The hilt does seem to be rhino, but I have struggled to get a picture that shows the translucence.

However, since I do have it, I'm happy to provide additional photos of any features about which some of you may have interest. Simply request, and I'll do my best to provide.

Thanks!
-Rob

18th February 2022, 03:58 PM	#1
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Some additional photos (apologies for any duplicated posting - my eyes aren't what they used to be!) Attached Images

1st March 2022, 12:01 AM	#4
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Thank you Saracen and Kai! This is great news, and is close to what I had hoped, even if my knowledge is lacking. I also had a degree of confidence it might be a rhino hilt. A few additional questions: - what are the features that allow this to be identified as Greek? - What features lead you to believe this is at least 200 years old? - What technique do you recommend to bring out any pattern (I.e. Turkish ribbon)? Vinegar? Coffee? - The standard seems to be boiled leather, as it is quite hard and tooled. Any suggestions on how to preserve so it doesn't deteriorate further? - How often does a leather scabbard survive with one of these? It isn't as precious as other examples I have seen, so it makes sense the more valuable ones survive more often than this humble example - Any thoughts about the maker's mark? Thanks again for sharing your expertise! -Rob Last edited by shayde78; 1st March 2022 at 12:02 AM. Reason: Forgot to add a question about maker's mark

19th February 2022, 11:42 PM	#2
Saracen Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 147	You're lucky. This is a very good Greek Yataghan of the late 18th - early 19th century (maybe a little earlier). When you get it in your hands, take a closer look at the handle. A pleasant surprise is possible (rhino horn). There is also a very likely Turkish ribbon.

20th February 2022, 06:40 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	I was thinking along the same lines when looking at the pics: The hilt looks like a safe bet on rhino; any pattern-welding would be another bonus. Good quality piece that has seen some repairs. Blade has obviously been over-cleaned recently and needs some TLC to bring out the full beauty as well as to bring overall appearance in line with original craftsmanship. Be very careful with the scabbard - based on the pics, I wouldn't try to restore it, I guess. And please let me know in case you get bored with it... Regards, Kai

2nd May 2022, 08:40 PM	#5
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Thanks again for the feedback from the other month. I have the item in my possession (I have for a while now). The hilt does seem to be rhino, but I have struggled to get a picture that shows the translucence. However, since I do have it, I'm happy to provide additional photos of any features about which some of you may have interest. Simply request, and I'll do my best to provide. Thanks! -Rob