Kindjal or Qama maker's mark information requested

laEspadaAncha · 10th December 2009, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emanuel

Hello,

Nice kindjal, fullers recall Surmene knives.

Writing does look like Arabic. Here's my attempt at translation:

fa ta _?_ reading right to left = Mustafa?

Cheers,
Emanuel

Hello Emanuel,

Thank you for the feedback, as well as for the partial translation and suggested attribution - both leads for me to pursue and all for which I am grateful.

It really is a mesmerizing knife in person...

Regards,

Chris

Gess · 10th December 2009, 12:03 PM

Hi Chris!
Thank you for the invitation. Arabic language I do not speak.

There is written the name of the master manufacturer.
Basically (my opinion), this kinjal refers to Transcaucasia. Persia: Iran, Azerbaijan ...
Good, for working (not for the parade) kinjal. The blade is made with love, horn on the handle - neatly converges with the metal (in foto).
This is the first impression.

Regards.

ariel · 10th December 2009, 12:52 PM

I would agree with the Turkish connection:
1. Relatively small size, light blade with narrowing starting very high on the blade.
2. Elaborate system of fullers ( Northern Turkey, Trabzon do come to mind).
3."Leafy" ornament on the ricasso ( similar seen on Greek or Balkan blades)
4. Handle of a "Turkish" contour
5. One-piece plate on the handle, with simple incised ornamentation.
In short, I do not see much Caucasian aura here, except for the general idea of a " kindjal"-type. But in the Caucasus, kindjals were rather massive weapons, a necessary part of the masculine image, whereas in Turkey they served a more humble, secondary role and were an equivalent of a utility knife, or a poor man's jambiya.

laEspadaAncha · 10th December 2009, 04:40 PM

Thank you both Gess and Ariel for your feedback, and for helping me to better understand the regional influences behind the creation of this knife. Any further input you might have would be similarly appreciated.

Regards,

Chris

Gess · 10th December 2009, 04:50 PM

I have to admit that the version of Ariel, more accurate.
I'm asked the Russian forum, and a very respected man confirmed Turkish origin this kinjal. Eastern Anatolia, Black Sea Turkey.
Regards.

laEspadaAncha · 10th December 2009, 06:25 PM

Very cool. And again, much appreciated. Maybe someday I will source a larger kindjal to keep this one company...

Now by chance would either/any of you have any idea where I can source a period-original replacement scabbard for a blade measuring 253.2 mm x 31.7 mm?

ariel · 10th December 2009, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

Very cool. And again, much appreciated. Maybe someday I will source a larger kindjal to keep this one company...

Now by chance would either/any of you have any idea where I can source a period-original replacement scabbard for a blade measuring 253.2 mm x 31.7 mm?

Finding a scabbard is next to impossible. You may try this:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11153

laEspadaAncha · 11th December 2009, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Finding a scabbard is next to impossible. You may try this:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11153

Looks like that thread is only a little over a week old. Thanks for the suggestion & the link... I'm sending him a PM tonight itself.

10th December 2009, 12:03 PM	#2
Gess Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 44	Hi Chris! Thank you for the invitation. Arabic language I do not speak. There is written the name of the master manufacturer. Basically (my opinion), this kinjal refers to Transcaucasia. Persia: Iran, Azerbaijan ... Good, for working (not for the parade) kinjal. The blade is made with love, horn on the handle - neatly converges with the metal (in foto). This is the first impression. Regards.

10th December 2009, 12:52 PM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I would agree with the Turkish connection: 1. Relatively small size, light blade with narrowing starting very high on the blade. 2. Elaborate system of fullers ( Northern Turkey, Trabzon do come to mind). 3."Leafy" ornament on the ricasso ( similar seen on Greek or Balkan blades) 4. Handle of a "Turkish" contour 5. One-piece plate on the handle, with simple incised ornamentation. In short, I do not see much Caucasian aura here, except for the general idea of a " kindjal"-type. But in the Caucasus, kindjals were rather massive weapons, a necessary part of the masculine image, whereas in Turkey they served a more humble, secondary role and were an equivalent of a utility knife, or a poor man's jambiya.

10th December 2009, 04:40 PM	#4
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Thank you both Gess and Ariel for your feedback, and for helping me to better understand the regional influences behind the creation of this knife. Any further input you might have would be similarly appreciated. Regards, Chris

10th December 2009, 04:50 PM	#5
Gess Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 44	I have to admit that the version of Ariel, more accurate. I'm asked the Russian forum, and a very respected man confirmed Turkish origin this kinjal. Eastern Anatolia, Black Sea Turkey. Regards.

10th December 2009, 06:25 PM	#6
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Very cool. And again, much appreciated. Maybe someday I will source a larger kindjal to keep this one company... Now by chance would either/any of you have any idea where I can source a period-original replacement scabbard for a blade measuring 253.2 mm x 31.7 mm?