Yataghan/ Interesting Scabbard

rand · 21st September 2016, 11:17 PM

Writing scabbard

rand · 22nd September 2016, 03:32 AM

What I find interesting is that the metal for this scabbard seems like a nickel/silver alloy and not coin silver that you usually find with this quality of repousse. Then a thick gold wash or other gold application over it. You can see many wear points of the gold on high locations.

Kubur · 22nd September 2016, 07:21 AM

What is Tombak?

Owing to economic constraints, fewer objects were made of gold and silver in the 18th century and this led to an increase in the manufacture of tombak wares. Brass and copper wares gilded in this way are called "tombak".

The earliest examples of Ottoman metalworking are military equipment. Mamluk influence is apparent in 15th-century forms and styles of decoration. The style called "Classical Ottoman" takes shape during the early 16th century. Of special importance during the 16th and 17th centuries are harmoniously-proportioned candlesticks that have austerely-styled forms and are lacking in embellishment but contemporary with them are interesting examples of works whose surfaces are entirely covered with rumi-palmette compositions, braided friezes, delicate saz leaves, and floral motifs.

Not infrequently one comes across copper pieces that have been stamped with seals or are inscribed. Military equipment such as helmets, chamfrons, and shields manufactured at the Topkapi Sarayi armory were stamped with a seal resembling the brand of the Kayl clan, of which the Ottomans were originally a member. Pots and pans used in the great kitchens of the Ottoman palace frequently contain inscriptions indicating who they belong to. Objects bequeathed to mosques and tombs also bear mostly tughra-like dedicatory inscriptions. Some gilded wares are stamped with a seal indicating that they are only tombak so as to avoid any possibility of deception.

from ebuy
Best, Kubur

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 22nd September 2016, 07:28 AM

Your Yat blade has a date and it says Mohammed Maashaalah and a date which looks like 1391 or 1291....

though I cant see it clearly and as you rightly note Allah on the other picture. Today is 1437...

Battara · 22nd September 2016, 07:48 PM

Unless you have tested the material, to me the patina is looking more like low grade silver with a gold wash, which would actually make more sense and more traditional.

The "ears" and style make me think the piece is Balkan in manufacture.

A very nice piece.

Jerseyman · 22nd September 2016, 11:58 PM

Is it just my computer - or are there no photos of the entire blade and scabbard? Would it be possible to post some so we can see the whole thing?

Thanks.

rand · 23rd September 2016, 03:41 AM

Appreciate the feedback about this piece. The date is hard to read in the photo, it is 1241. The scabbard is definitely not a coin grade silver that you would expect to see, my best guess is a nickel alloy. Which is very unusual and surprising. Will take an overall photo tomorrow and post, but you cab see just about all parts of this sword now. The blade has a core twist, that too is hard to see in the photo's. The shirmani grip scales are in excellent condition, the silver inlay of the blade is an over lapping triangular punch most common on ottoman empire pieces.

Have just not come across a scabbard with this quality that wasn't silver before. The gold wash is very thick, more the sheen of what you would see with gold over copper. But its definitely not upper or silver comprising the scabbard.

21st September 2016, 11:17 PM	#1
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 539	More Pics Writing scabbard Attached Images

22nd September 2016, 03:32 AM	#2
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 539	Scabbard What I find interesting is that the metal for this scabbard seems like a nickel/silver alloy and not coin silver that you usually find with this quality of repousse. Then a thick gold wash or other gold application over it. You can see many wear points of the gold on high locations.

23rd September 2016, 03:41 AM	#7
rand Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 539	Scabbard & Stuff Appreciate the feedback about this piece. The date is hard to read in the photo, it is 1241. The scabbard is definitely not a coin grade silver that you would expect to see, my best guess is a nickel alloy. Which is very unusual and surprising. Will take an overall photo tomorrow and post, but you cab see just about all parts of this sword now. The blade has a core twist, that too is hard to see in the photo's. The shirmani grip scales are in excellent condition, the silver inlay of the blade is an over lapping triangular punch most common on ottoman empire pieces. Have just not come across a scabbard with this quality that wasn't silver before. The gold wash is very thick, more the sheen of what you would see with gold over copper. But its definitely not upper or silver comprising the scabbard. Attached Images

22nd September 2016, 07:21 AM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	What is Tombak? Owing to economic constraints, fewer objects were made of gold and silver in the 18th century and this led to an increase in the manufacture of tombak wares. Brass and copper wares gilded in this way are called "tombak". The earliest examples of Ottoman metalworking are military equipment. Mamluk influence is apparent in 15th-century forms and styles of decoration. The style called "Classical Ottoman" takes shape during the early 16th century. Of special importance during the 16th and 17th centuries are harmoniously-proportioned candlesticks that have austerely-styled forms and are lacking in embellishment but contemporary with them are interesting examples of works whose surfaces are entirely covered with rumi-palmette compositions, braided friezes, delicate saz leaves, and floral motifs. Not infrequently one comes across copper pieces that have been stamped with seals or are inscribed. Military equipment such as helmets, chamfrons, and shields manufactured at the Topkapi Sarayi armory were stamped with a seal resembling the brand of the Kayl clan, of which the Ottomans were originally a member. Pots and pans used in the great kitchens of the Ottoman palace frequently contain inscriptions indicating who they belong to. Objects bequeathed to mosques and tombs also bear mostly tughra-like dedicatory inscriptions. Some gilded wares are stamped with a seal indicating that they are only tombak so as to avoid any possibility of deception. from ebuy Best, Kubur

22nd September 2016, 07:28 AM	#4
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Your Yat blade has a date and it says Mohammed Maashaalah and a date which looks like 1391 or 1291.... though I cant see it clearly and as you rightly note Allah on the other picture. Today is 1437...

22nd September 2016, 07:48 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Unless you have tested the material, to me the patina is looking more like low grade silver with a gold wash, which would actually make more sense and more traditional. The "ears" and style make me think the piece is Balkan in manufacture. A very nice piece.

22nd September 2016, 11:58 PM	#6
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Is it just my computer - or are there no photos of the entire blade and scabbard? Would it be possible to post some so we can see the whole thing? Thanks.