Small Enameled Knife... Russian, Ottoman...?

ALEX · 11th August 2018, 08:40 PM

Here is a small decorative knife, perhaps a letter opener, souvenir or small utility knife. It seems to be old and relatively well made, with silver fittings decorated with enamel and gemstone inserts. It is of miniature dimensions: overall size is 7", the blade is 4" long. The shape resembles the Kindjal but the work is not typical Russian or Ottoman. Perhaps Eastern Europe? Does anyone recall seeing similar or have any suggestions on origin, age and purpose?
Many thanks in advance for any input and opinion.

kahnjar1 · 12th August 2018, 02:41 AM

A very attractive knife IMHO.
I have no idea as to origin or age but some observations........
The hilt resembles, in shape at least, those on Kurdish daggers. The blade looks to be very functional, rather than for use as a letter opener. You do not say if the edges are sharpened, but if they are, then I would have thought that it was intended as a dagger of sorts.....maybe a ladies dagger for self protection, due to size.
Stu

Tim Simmons · 12th August 2018, 08:45 AM

I think this is Hungarian. I have a book on Hungarian enamel work. When I find it will post examples.

mahratt · 12th August 2018, 05:15 PM

I think this is a European work in the style of the Daggers of the Ottoman Empire

ALEX · 14th August 2018, 11:55 AM

Thank you Stu, Tim, Mahratt
I agree, it is E.European dagger, likely Hungarian. The blade is functional and robust. I could not find any references of these being intended as small arms for women, children, etc. but it well could be.
Here is similarly sized (8" overall with 4" blade) small dagger identified as Austrian/Austro-Hungarian, with some similarities, especially the blue/white enamel.
Tim, please post similar enamelware if you'll find any in your Hungarian enamel book.

Tim Simmons · 14th August 2018, 06:36 PM

I fear that small book went with the last clear out. I do not have a hoarder house and every clear out is uncomfortable.

Ian · 15th August 2018, 05:20 AM

Hi Alex:

With the likely European origin of your knife, I think it may generate further discussion on the European Armoury forum. I'm transferring it over there to see if they can give you more info.

Ian.

11th August 2018, 08:40 PM	#1
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Small Enameled Knife... Russian, Ottoman...? Here is a small decorative knife, perhaps a letter opener, souvenir or small utility knife. It seems to be old and relatively well made, with silver fittings decorated with enamel and gemstone inserts. It is of miniature dimensions: overall size is 7", the blade is 4" long. The shape resembles the Kindjal but the work is not typical Russian or Ottoman. Perhaps Eastern Europe? Does anyone recall seeing similar or have any suggestions on origin, age and purpose? Many thanks in advance for any input and opinion. Attached Images

14th August 2018, 11:55 AM	#5
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Thank you Stu, Tim, Mahratt I agree, it is E.European dagger, likely Hungarian. The blade is functional and robust. I could not find any references of these being intended as small arms for women, children, etc. but it well could be. Here is similarly sized (8" overall with 4" blade) small dagger identified as Austrian/Austro-Hungarian, with some similarities, especially the blue/white enamel. Tim, please post similar enamelware if you'll find any in your Hungarian enamel book. Attached Images

12th August 2018, 02:41 AM	#2
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	A very attractive knife IMHO. I have no idea as to origin or age but some observations........ The hilt resembles, in shape at least, those on Kurdish daggers. The blade looks to be very functional, rather than for use as a letter opener. You do not say if the edges are sharpened, but if they are, then I would have thought that it was intended as a dagger of sorts.....maybe a ladies dagger for self protection, due to size. Stu

12th August 2018, 08:45 AM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I think this is Hungarian. I have a book on Hungarian enamel work. When I find it will post examples.

12th August 2018, 05:15 PM	#4
mahratt Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Russia Posts: 1,042	I think this is a European work in the style of the Daggers of the Ottoman Empire

14th August 2018, 06:36 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I fear that small book went with the last clear out. I do not have a hoarder house and every clear out is uncomfortable.

15th August 2018, 05:20 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Hi Alex: With the likely European origin of your knife, I think it may generate further discussion on the European Armoury forum. I'm transferring it over there to see if they can give you more info. Ian.