19c Balkan Greco-Turkish Yataghan?

kronckew · 19th December 2022, 03:09 PM

Possibly Bulgarian? Karakulak? Comments and any other info appreciated. Thanks.

The Auctioneer kept saying I was from UK and the other bidder was from Bulgaria. If he's one of our members, sorry, but

.

Sadly, no scabbard, blade appears rusty but not pitted. Tiny bit of tip gone.

Unusual brass bolster/tunkou finger ring as part of the grip. Wood slab sides. 62 cm. overall.

Will be doing a bit of cleaning & active rust/verdigris removal. Will post better pics after...

kronckew · 19th December 2022, 03:21 PM

...Reminds me of my Espada Ancha.

TVV · 19th December 2022, 07:05 PM

It does not look like any of the shepherds' knives coming out of Bulgaria. I have no idea where it is from, but the ring is very unusual and interesting.

kronckew · 19th December 2022, 08:27 PM

There may be some markings or decorations under the rust. Hopefully, they will survive cleaning.

David R · 20th December 2022, 02:59 PM

That finger ring has a very "German" look to me, as in influence or ethnicity. Pandour yatagan anyone?

kronckew · 27th January 2023, 12:30 AM

It arrived a day or so ago.

Blade is 51 cm. LOA is 62 cm.
Weight is 715gm. feels heavy. Flat spine, no false edge/yelman. No fullers. No apparent engraving yet. One stamp that is a bit indistinct. small ear yat grip, black horn (i.e. karakulak) rivets/ bolster/tonku/ring are brass or bronze.
Brushed off loose red stuff and verdigris.

stamp area appears to have a very turkish looking stamp, but can't tell yet. VBit more cleaning then oiling to do.

Pics:

kronckew · 28th January 2023, 01:22 AM

Bit more cleaning around the blade stamp mark

kronckew · 9th February 2023, 02:57 PM

Slightly better HDR 'macro' photo of stamp:

19th December 2022, 03:09 PM	#1
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	19c Balkan Greco-Turkish Yataghan? Possibly Bulgarian? Karakulak? Comments and any other info appreciated. Thanks. The Auctioneer kept saying I was from UK and the other bidder was from Bulgaria. If he's one of our members, sorry, but . Sadly, no scabbard, blade appears rusty but not pitted. Tiny bit of tip gone. Unusual brass bolster/tunkou finger ring as part of the grip. Wood slab sides. 62 cm. overall. Will be doing a bit of cleaning & active rust/verdigris removal. Will post better pics after... Attached Images

19th December 2022, 03:21 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	...Reminds me of my Espada Ancha. Attached Images

27th January 2023, 12:30 AM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	It arrived a day or so ago. Blade is 51 cm. LOA is 62 cm. Weight is 715gm. feels heavy. Flat spine, no false edge/yelman. No fullers. No apparent engraving yet. One stamp that is a bit indistinct. small ear yat grip, black horn (i.e. karakulak) rivets/ bolster/tonku/ring are brass or bronze. Brushed off loose red stuff and verdigris. stamp area appears to have a very turkish looking stamp, but can't tell yet. VBit more cleaning then oiling to do. Pics: Attached Images

28th January 2023, 01:22 AM	#7
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	Bit more cleaning around the blade stamp mark Attached Images

9th February 2023, 02:57 PM	#8
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	Slightly better HDR 'macro' photo of stamp: Attached Images

19th December 2022, 07:05 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,621	It does not look like any of the shepherds' knives coming out of Bulgaria. I have no idea where it is from, but the ring is very unusual and interesting.

19th December 2022, 08:27 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	There may be some markings or decorations under the rust. Hopefully, they will survive cleaning.

20th December 2022, 02:59 PM	#5
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	That finger ring has a very "German" look to me, as in influence or ethnicity. Pandour yatagan anyone?