Help Identifying a Kindjal/Qama Type and Its Origin

CharlesS · 5th March 2014, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALEX

Nice qama! It certainly has some Caucasian look, but I think it is Ottoman/Turkish, based on niello decorations. Does chape have checkered Van-style motive?

Yes Alex, the chape shows a checkered motif.

ALEX · 5th March 2014, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Yes Alex, the chape shows a checkered motif.

Charles, see this POST. The last 2 pictures show a typical silver case from Van, Turkey, and Turkish scabbard (likely also made in Van). The checkered pattern is their trademark. The silver niello decoration reminds me of yours, this is why I thought it is more Turkish than Caucasian.
Interesting what Ariel, Kirill and others will think.

CharlesS · 5th March 2014, 05:51 PM

Alex, thanks for so much great input. I also noticed the "wheel" motif in that post you suggested and it is very prevalent on the qama fittings.

CharlesS · 5th March 2014, 06:28 PM

Based on another forum member's input, the Islamic date converts to 1906 on the Gregorian calendar.

ALEX · 5th March 2014, 07:26 PM

The year is 1326 A.H. = 1908 A.D. (depending on calculation system used).
The wheel is a "wheel of life" - quite predominant element in Islamic art.

CharlesS · 5th March 2014, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALEX

The year is 1326 A.H. = 1908 A.D. (depending on calculation system used).
The wheel is a "wheel of life" - quite predominant element in Islamic art.

Alex, spot on the date. I was trying to recall it by memory and should have known better! Thanks again for all your input.

ariel · 6th March 2014, 05:38 AM

South-West Georgia, the Gurian region, border with Turkey, thus the mix of elements. Subsequently, this outline was adopted by the Black Sea Cossack Host.

Check the fullers: old ones had the most beautiful "Tiflis" damaskus pattern.

I have a suspicion ( and please reassure me that I am wrong!) that the tip was broken and re-formed. Usually, this type has rounded and stubby tip; this one is somehow awkward: straight lines.Check the length of the blade and the scabbard: I have a feeling that it is an inch or two too short for his breeches :-)

5th March 2014, 05:51 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Alex, thanks for so much great input. I also noticed the "wheel" motif in that post you suggested and it is very prevalent on the qama fittings.

5th March 2014, 06:28 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Based on another forum member's input, the Islamic date converts to 1906 on the Gregorian calendar.

5th March 2014, 07:26 PM	#5
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	The year is 1326 A.H. = 1908 A.D. (depending on calculation system used). The wheel is a "wheel of life" - quite predominant element in Islamic art.

6th March 2014, 05:38 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	South-West Georgia, the Gurian region, border with Turkey, thus the mix of elements. Subsequently, this outline was adopted by the Black Sea Cossack Host. Check the fullers: old ones had the most beautiful "Tiflis" damaskus pattern. I have a suspicion ( and please reassure me that I am wrong!) that the tip was broken and re-formed. Usually, this type has rounded and stubby tip; this one is somehow awkward: straight lines.Check the length of the blade and the scabbard: I have a feeling that it is an inch or two too short for his breeches :-)