Pricey Mecca Jambiya

[Michael Blalock]

Pricey Mecca Jambiya.
Ebay 170712480748
This Mecca style jambiya went for quite a bit of money. To my eye it looks like a common jambiya, the scabbard similar to the one worn by T. E. Lawrence in poses he did for Lowel Thomas. The hilt does not quite look Yemeni or Saudi. Maybe it was made when the stone and Hebrew inscriptions were added. I assume the changes were done in Isreal to sell it as an item of Yemenite “judaica” rather than as an Arabian piece. I have seen similar treatments done to Yemeni jewelry. See the attached photos of a necklace that I own made by a Jewish silversmith in Yemen. Originally these were made without stone or gilding for the wealthy Arab women. I have seen two of these with semiprecious stones attached and gilding sold in Israel for a fortune, $4000 to $5000. I would be interested in anyone’s opion of why this went for so much money.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Michael Blalock

Pricey Mecca Jambiya.
Ebay 170712480748
This Mecca style jambiya went for quite a bit of money. To my eye it looks like a common jambiya, the scabbard similar to the one worn by T. E. Lawrence in poses he did for Lowel Thomas. The hilt does not quite look Yemeni or Saudi. Maybe it was made when the stone and Hebrew inscriptions were added. I assume the changes were done in Isreal to sell it as an item of Yemenite “judaica” rather than as an Arabian piece. I have seen similar treatments done to Yemeni jewelry. See the attached photos of a necklace that I own made by a Jewish silversmith in Yemen. Originally these were made without stone or gilding for the wealthy Arab women. I have seen two of these with semiprecious stones attached and gilding sold in Israel for a fortune, $4000 to $5000. I would be interested in anyone’s opion of why this went for so much money.

Salaams, Yes its a tourist job... junk near enough.. no idea what the price went for but low quality . Ibrahiim

[kahnjar1]

According to closed auction it went for US$1200.

[Michael Blalock]

Yes, When it opened I had told the seller I thought it was a $50 Jambiya but the seller got quite a few offers so there is obviously some value there. I am assuming it is the association with 1950's Isreal.

[A.alnakkas]

Well, I disagree on this being a cheap tourist piece, usually the tourists pieces dont have half the craftmanship done on the silver here. I think its an average Jambiya that has been edited to give it more value. Main reason I thought this was edited is because the inscription in the back is very well carved for the usual carving on Jambiyas.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Well, I disagree on this being a cheap tourist piece, usually the tourists pieces dont have half the craftmanship done on the silver here. I think its an average Jambiya that has been edited to give it more value. Main reason I thought this was edited is because the inscription in the back is very well carved for the usual carving on Jambiyas.

I agree this is not a tourist piece, and in my opinion is not Meccan style either. The term "Meccan style" relates (as I understand it) to the HILT rather than the scabbard. Also Meccan scabbards do not have the "butterfly" shape across between the hanging rings. This style is usually associated with Yemen. Attached is a pic of a Meccan Jambiya showing the typical straight strap between the rings, and the Meccan hilt. Check out the pics of T.E.L above and you will see that the Hilt and the straight straps are the same as this pic.