A PERSIAN WOOTZ KINDJAL

ALEX · 29th April 2009, 11:09 PM

Below are the pictures of a Persian straight dagger/khanjar. It is quite long - 22'' overall. The blade is made of good wootz. The fittings are brass or copper with remaining glazed enamel.
My initial thoughts on it were quite mixed, as the scabbard appeared too 'low grade' comparing to the blade.
The last two pictures are of another Persian/Qajar period khanjar of 'museum quality'.
How would you rate the former piece, and what do you think of it in general? Is it a 'copy' of a 'real deal' or something else?

archer · 3rd May 2009, 12:36 AM

Hi Alex, Could this be an heirloom family blade that got refitted? as Keris were frequently. I'm wonder about the asymmetrical koftgari on the blade. Does that speak to the artisans skills? Got to love that blade. Steve

Gavin Nugent · 3rd May 2009, 07:37 AM

Have another look here, I posted this piece some time ago. I always liked it.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7057

regards

Gav

ALEX · 3rd May 2009, 08:20 PM

Steve,
I tend to agree with you. I also do not think the quality blade like this would be designed with such unadequate fittings. In addition, I think the coftgari was applied later as well for the same purpose to make it more marketable.

Gav,
Thank you for the reference. It's a small world:-)

archer · 4th May 2009, 04:57 AM

Alex, The same pattern with a slight asymmetry of the stars seems to have been used on Gavs' example, maybe it has some sort of religious meaning, or the same craftsman was involved.
Steve

Gavin Nugent · 4th May 2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer

Alex, The same pattern with a slight asymmetry of the stars seems to have been used on Gavs' example, maybe it has some sort of religious meaning, or the same craftsman was involved.
Steve

G'day Steve,

It is the same knife.

Alex, my PM didn't reveal anything you wouldn't already mnow but I hope it helped a little, yes, yes it is a small world.

Gav

ALEX · 4th May 2009, 11:44 PM

Gav, Thank you for the info.

Steve,
When I saw Gav's link I also thought it's the same workshop, but in fact it's also the same Kinjal. By some mysterious way it made it's way to my collection. I am glad it did - it's a marvelous blade indeed.

29th April 2009, 11:09 PM	#1
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	A PERSIAN WOOTZ KHANJAR Below are the pictures of a Persian straight dagger/khanjar. It is quite long - 22'' overall. The blade is made of good wootz. The fittings are brass or copper with remaining glazed enamel. My initial thoughts on it were quite mixed, as the scabbard appeared too 'low grade' comparing to the blade. The last two pictures are of another Persian/Qajar period khanjar of 'museum quality'. How would you rate the former piece, and what do you think of it in general? Is it a 'copy' of a 'real deal' or something else? Attached Images Last edited by ALEX; 30th April 2009 at 12:29 AM.

3rd May 2009, 07:37 AM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Have another look Have another look here, I posted this piece some time ago. I always liked it. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7057 regards Gav

4th May 2009, 04:57 AM	#5
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Reply Alex, The same pattern with a slight asymmetry of the stars seems to have been used on Gavs' example, maybe it has some sort of religious meaning, or the same craftsman was involved. Steve

3rd May 2009, 12:36 AM	#2
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Hi Alex, Could this be an heirloom family blade that got refitted? as Keris were frequently. I'm wonder about the asymmetrical koftgari on the blade. Does that speak to the artisans skills? Got to love that blade. Steve

3rd May 2009, 08:20 PM	#4
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Steve, I tend to agree with you. I also do not think the quality blade like this would be designed with such unadequate fittings. In addition, I think the coftgari was applied later as well for the same purpose to make it more marketable. Gav, Thank you for the reference. It's a small world:-)

4th May 2009, 11:44 PM	#7
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Gav, Thank you for the info. Steve, When I saw Gav's link I also thought it's the same workshop, but in fact it's also the same Kinjal. By some mysterious way it made it's way to my collection. I am glad it did - it's a marvelous blade indeed.