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?

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

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

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:-)

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

Hi 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

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.