Plain Jane Yataghan Origin Requested

[gp]

Originally Posted by RobT

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me where this no frills Yataghan comes from. Perhaps the design on the sheath throat (which looks to me like a bird in a tree) is a clue. The blade measures 19.125" (48.5775cm) and has a slight T-rib. There are no maker's marks or other inscriptions. The hilt scales are wood that have been painted black (now very worn). Three steel rivets secure the scales to the tang. The backstrap (top part missing) between the scales is brass, as is the ferrule which also shows the remains of a very plain ricasso. Despite the obvious wear, blade and hilt are still quite solid. The sheath is wood with a brass throat and a black painted fabric center section. The fabric & the wood are both in poor condition and the brass throat shows an area where a suspension lug may have been. I believe that the bottom section of the sheath also had a brass covering which unfortunately is now missing. Its unprepossessing nature notwithstanding, the sword is very well balanced and pleasing in form. In use it would be as effective as more Princely Yataghans.

Sincerely,
RobT

my apologies that I did not see this thread before, so hence this late reaction:

this is a Balkan weapon, either call it a small yataghan or big bichaq from the former Yu.
These are often found on offer in Croatia and sometimes in Bosnia and are crude and less fancy than the Bosnian white (bone ) ones.
I refer to my article some time ago explaining the yataghan thread

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ataghan&page=2

in # 64
Unless it is a marriage between scabbard from ex Yu and a Yataghan from a neighbouring country; but why do that?

It is most likely made for a footsolder or some one from the country side or border guard ( granicar ). The scabbard is the give away: you can compare it with the scabbards in the many pics on bichaqs and yataghans of my threads.
Although a little poorly executed (perhaps an apprentice or not a pro trying his best) . The black paint might be protection for the grip or just to give it a black horn look a like.
Nevertheless a nice piece for each collection!
Piece of advise: the grip and scabbard (non metal piece) need some restoration to avoid drying out and detoriation.