Straight-bladed yatagan

Dmitry · 8th May 2013, 03:20 AM

It's brass-mounted AND straight-bladed, both are not usual yatagan characteristics. The blade looks like it came from a 1700s broadsword, or was made in that style by a local blade-maker. I had a Saiif with a similar blade once.
The hilt is decorated with a repeated pattern of blooming flowers or vines on a stippled background. There are polished horn or bone inserts between the two halves of the grip and the tang, almost kindjal-like.
Blade is 58 cm. long. I've leafed through Asvacaturian's book, but didn't see anything remotely similar.
What are your thoughts?

Battara · 8th May 2013, 05:42 AM

This is from the Balkans. The brass "ears" are cast and probably from the middle or late 19th century.

Dmitry · 8th May 2013, 01:30 PM

Thanks. I suspected Albania, based on the brass hilt, but there wasn't another one like it in Elgood's Greece book. Do you have a printed source for comparable pieces?

TVV · 8th May 2013, 11:36 PM

If I recall correctly there are similar examples in Boskovic's catalogue of yataghans from the Zagreb Museum, suggesting this is probably from the Western/North-Western Balkans.
Regards,
Teodor

Gavin Nugent · 9th May 2013, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVV

If I recall correctly there are similar examples in Boskovic's catalogue of yataghans from the Zagreb Museum, suggesting this is probably from the Western/North-Western Balkans.
Regards,
Teodor

Indeed there are three within that show similarities in hilt styling...a shame they are black and white images because a lot more would be understood if they were colour.
One of the three also carries a straight blade.

Gavin

Dmitry · 9th May 2013, 05:57 PM

Thanks again!

8th May 2013, 03:20 AM	#1
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Straight-bladed yatagan It's brass-mounted AND straight-bladed, both are not usual yatagan characteristics. The blade looks like it came from a 1700s broadsword, or was made in that style by a local blade-maker. I had a Saiif with a similar blade once. The hilt is decorated with a repeated pattern of blooming flowers or vines on a stippled background. There are polished horn or bone inserts between the two halves of the grip and the tang, almost kindjal-like. Blade is 58 cm. long. I've leafed through Asvacaturian's book, but didn't see anything remotely similar. What are your thoughts? Attached Images

8th May 2013, 05:42 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	This is from the Balkans. The brass "ears" are cast and probably from the middle or late 19th century.

8th May 2013, 01:30 PM	#3
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Thanks. I suspected Albania, based on the brass hilt, but there wasn't another one like it in Elgood's Greece book. Do you have a printed source for comparable pieces?

8th May 2013, 11:36 PM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,619	If I recall correctly there are similar examples in Boskovic's catalogue of yataghans from the Zagreb Museum, suggesting this is probably from the Western/North-Western Balkans. Regards, Teodor

9th May 2013, 05:57 PM	#6
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Thanks again!