Ottoman (?) kard for comment

Saracen · 23rd August 2021, 12:17 AM

The opposite side of the scabbard is also decorated in the Greek tradition: repeating sectors with plant elements. As on the scabbard of the yataghan from Ioannina shown in Robert Elgood book "The Arms of Greece..." on page 140. And on the bichaq scabbard in the photo below. In general, I still think that you have a very interesting bichaq originally from the Western Balkans. I only doubt that its handle is made of mother-of-pearl. Can it be a specially treated horn?

Bob A · 23rd August 2021, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saracen

I only doubt that its handle is made of mother-of-pearl. Can it be a specially treated horn?

The hilt is brittle, as seen by the crack; mother of pearl is notorious for this sort of fragility. I don't think you could achieve the iridescent luster of the surface on horn.

Saracen · 23rd August 2021, 08:56 PM

The scales on the handle seem to me too large to be mother of pearl.
I do not know a clam whose shell has such a thick layer of mother of pearl.

23rd August 2021, 12:17 AM	#1
Saracen Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 147	The opposite side of the scabbard is also decorated in the Greek tradition: repeating sectors with plant elements. As on the scabbard of the yataghan from Ioannina shown in Robert Elgood book "The Arms of Greece..." on page 140. And on the bichaq scabbard in the photo below. In general, I still think that you have a very interesting bichaq originally from the Western Balkans. I only doubt that its handle is made of mother-of-pearl. Can it be a specially treated horn? Attached Images

23rd August 2021, 08:56 PM	#3
Saracen Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 147	The scales on the handle seem to me too large to be mother of pearl. I do not know a clam whose shell has such a thick layer of mother of pearl.