Knife ID Help Please

CourseEight · 15th October 2009, 04:38 PM

Hi all --

Another knife I just bought, and I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't have it yet, I'm just working off the pictures.

Handle appears carved bone, and could be a parasol handle. The ball at the top, and the way the fittings seem to work well around it and also go with the scabbard might indicate the handle is meant to be what it is?

The blade shape reminds me of Iraqi Marsh jambiya, but the scabbard look strikes me as African. Carving could be from anywhere, but has a distinctly Asian or Indonesian look to my eyes. There seems to be an Arabic(?) inscription on the scabbard that might offer clues?

As always I appreciate any insights!

--Radleigh

ALEX · 15th October 2009, 04:52 PM

Yes, the handle is from Asian parasol. The blade does look like Iraqi Marsh jambiya type, but to me it more resembles narrower Moroccan Shula.

Atlantia · 15th October 2009, 06:39 PM

I also must agree that several items have gone into this knifes current incarnation. I think the handle indeed looks asian, the top turned bone/ivory knob looks victorian, the silver band with the celtic knots is a finger-ring (I recognise the design).

However, all that aside, the blade is nice and the scabbard looks like a good fit.

I'll see if I can find the ring.....

EDIT:
Wow, how quick was that?

Emanuel · 15th October 2009, 06:48 PM

Interesting composite. Recent mix?
The shula is single as opposed to double-edged and it does not have a mid-rib. I agree that it resembles an Iraqi dagger. The scabbard also strikes me as Iraqi/Kurdish - african scabbards generally don't have chape and mouth fittings.

Emanuel

CourseEight · 15th October 2009, 07:25 PM

Thanks guys!

Atlantia that's truly fantastic that you were able to find that ring so quickly!

Still fairly interested in the inscription on scabbard, since I agree the scabbard and blade are probably a match, with the handle a later replacement. As to the age of the composition, that will have to wait until I get it in hand to see how it is attached. Surely done by someone with access to disparate parts!

G. McCormack · 16th October 2009, 05:39 AM

Damn, nice work finding the ring!!!!!

15th October 2009, 04:38 PM	#1
CourseEight Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 222	Knife ID Help Please Hi all -- Another knife I just bought, and I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't have it yet, I'm just working off the pictures. Handle appears carved bone, and could be a parasol handle. The ball at the top, and the way the fittings seem to work well around it and also go with the scabbard might indicate the handle is meant to be what it is? The blade shape reminds me of Iraqi Marsh jambiya, but the scabbard look strikes me as African. Carving could be from anywhere, but has a distinctly Asian or Indonesian look to my eyes. There seems to be an Arabic(?) inscription on the scabbard that might offer clues? As always I appreciate any insights! --Radleigh Attached Images

15th October 2009, 06:39 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	I also must agree that several items have gone into this knifes current incarnation. I think the handle indeed looks asian, the top turned bone/ivory knob looks victorian, the silver band with the celtic knots is a finger-ring (I recognise the design). However, all that aside, the blade is nice and the scabbard looks like a good fit. I'll see if I can find the ring..... EDIT: Wow, how quick was that? Last edited by Atlantia; 15th October 2009 at 06:43 PM. Reason: Adding picture

15th October 2009, 04:52 PM	#2
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Yes, the handle is from Asian parasol. The blade does look like Iraqi Marsh jambiya type, but to me it more resembles narrower Moroccan Shula.

15th October 2009, 06:48 PM	#4
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Interesting composite. Recent mix? The shula is single as opposed to double-edged and it does not have a mid-rib. I agree that it resembles an Iraqi dagger. The scabbard also strikes me as Iraqi/Kurdish - african scabbards generally don't have chape and mouth fittings. Emanuel

15th October 2009, 07:25 PM	#5
CourseEight Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 222	Thanks guys! Atlantia that's truly fantastic that you were able to find that ring so quickly! Still fairly interested in the inscription on scabbard, since I agree the scabbard and blade are probably a match, with the handle a later replacement. As to the age of the composition, that will have to wait until I get it in hand to see how it is attached. Surely done by someone with access to disparate parts!

16th October 2009, 05:39 AM	#6
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Damn, nice work finding the ring!!!!!