Atypical Jambiya?

rockelk · 19th August 2019, 05:35 PM

Atypical Jambiya? I now have a knife I found unusual. It is definitely Middle Eastern by the engravings, but with a slight European style. The sheath is sterling but with no proof markings. It was so tarnished, at first, I thought it was simply brass. It has a pin going thru the tang to reinforce the grip and the tip of the sheath has been repaired and reinforced. The guard / bolster design I find unusual. Unlike most jambiyas the blade is straight and feels substantial. My first (amateur) guess is Moroccan. Any opinions as to its origin, classification and age are sincerely appreciated.

Kubur · 19th August 2019, 06:16 PM

I take this one
Yes you are right, this is an atypical jambiya because it's not a jambiya...
Your first guess was right, it is a Moroccan sbula / sboula.
The low grade silverwork is not very good, first half of the 20th c.
Your blade is early 20th c.
Please look at this two threads
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...light=moroccan
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...ighlight=sbula
Your Moroccan sbula is very much inspired by European bollocks daggers.
It's not an old piece but very interesting...

rockelk · 19th August 2019, 09:30 PM

The picture of the flintlock was striking, in that, the blade appears identical.
Thankyou very much, rm

Battara · 20th August 2019, 02:37 AM

Nice job Kubur. I had no idea and never heard of metal hilted ballock daggers.

19th August 2019, 05:35 PM	#1
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	Atypical Jambiya? Atypical Jambiya? I now have a knife I found unusual. It is definitely Middle Eastern by the engravings, but with a slight European style. The sheath is sterling but with no proof markings. It was so tarnished, at first, I thought it was simply brass. It has a pin going thru the tang to reinforce the grip and the tip of the sheath has been repaired and reinforced. The guard / bolster design I find unusual. Unlike most jambiyas the blade is straight and feels substantial. My first (amateur) guess is Moroccan. Any opinions as to its origin, classification and age are sincerely appreciated. Attached Images

19th August 2019, 06:16 PM	#2
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I take this one Yes you are right, this is an atypical jambiya because it's not a jambiya... Your first guess was right, it is a Moroccan sbula / sboula. The low grade silverwork is not very good, first half of the 20th c. Your blade is early 20th c. Please look at this two threads http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...light=moroccan http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...ighlight=sbula Your Moroccan sbula is very much inspired by European bollocks daggers. It's not an old piece but very interesting... Attached Images

19th August 2019, 09:30 PM	#3
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	Sbula The picture of the flintlock was striking, in that, the blade appears identical. Thankyou very much, rm

20th August 2019, 02:37 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Nice job Kubur. I had no idea and never heard of metal hilted ballock daggers.