Qama, Large Kindjal. Tbilisi?
 

Good Evening All,

Would you agree (from my poor lazy-Sunday pics) that this may be a Armenian-made Qama from Tbilisi circa.1850?

Re makers mark: I have no specific reference to hand, my guess from previous reading...Please comment or correct me.

Was cheap, sold as 'African', with rusty blade, and with silver paint over that. Just gave it a gentle clean. Some limited patterns in the steel. No scabbard.

Blade 51cm

Very good balance, comfortable in the hand. Seems simple, but well crafted.

Looks Daghestani or Chechen to me, much later than 1850: end of 19- beginning of 20 century.
But an honest working example. Enjoy it.

Congratulations!Excellent earlier Transcaucasian kindjal.

Gentlemen, thank you for your helpful remarks. I have one or two more to post, in a couple of days.

A Qama or Quadara
 

Horn grips

Remains of Koftari

Makers mark

Acid etched imitation of Damascus

...a few more pics.

See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=528 at # 3. Same mark.

Thank you Ibrahiim. Here is a pic I found on the net previously, I think it comes from Astvatsaturian.

A brilliant find! Is this on BLADE MARKS ....Jim ? :shrug:

Yes, blade marks....I think these are makers marks from Armenian makers in Tbilisi in the 19th C.

Theoretically it could be produced in Tiflis,but in this case I think it is about a Persian quadara.In support of my opinion I will point to an identical one with a similar stamp and a similar form.

http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=4211

Many thanks