Omani Khanjar

[german_guy_89]

Hello everyone,

I just got access to the forum and I would be grateful if you can contribute some knowledge about an Omani khanjar I bought in Nizwa.

When I bought it I took two Omani friends of mine to make sure I get an authentic one and not a tourist replication.

The information I got was that the Khanjar is typical for a coastal region (I think they mentioned the area near Sur). It obviously has a 4 ring design and the front is fully covered with silver work.

The handle is supposed to be Rhino horn. At least from what I can tell it's not wood ^^.

There was no precise information about the age given. They just said it's "an old one".

I have read some other posts in the forum and I was very impressed about what you guys are able to find out.

[german_guy_89]

Here are some more pictures I took today.

[german_guy_89]

and some more.

[kai]

Welcome to the forum, Marcel!

This doesn't look like rhino to me. (Certainly an advantage if you plan to cross borders with it...)
I guess you've seen this current thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17166

Apparently this piece has seen some recent repairs/replacements (e. g. the plate at the throat of the scabbard looks new). BTW, what is the white stuff (repair at the base of the hilt)?

Regards,
Kai

[german_guy_89]

Hello Kai,

thanks for the advice to check out the other thread. I did a light test as described by BANTARU. The corner actually lights up in bright orange (but only when the light hits the surface at certain angles). Unfortunately my iPhone, which is also my only camera ^^, is the only decent flashlight i have at hand so it's technically impossible to upload a picture. I'll try the get a second camera/lightsource to take a picture.

The Khanjar has been in extensive use als I have been told which explains the repairs. I am not really sure what the white stuff is they used to fill the hole. It seems to be some sort of glue, cause it is a little elastic.

By the way ... i found a great thread about Omani Khanjar fom Ibrahiim al Balooshi which was very helpful and informative.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by marcel.modes

Hello everyone,

I just got access to the forum and I would be grateful if you can contribute some knowledge about an Omani khanjar I bought in Nizwa.

When I bought it I took two Omani friends of mine to make sure I get an authentic one and not a tourist replication.

The information I got was that the Khanjar is typical for a coastal region (I think they mentioned the area near Sur). It obviously has a 4 ring design and the front is fully covered with silver work.

The handle is supposed to be Rhino horn. At least from what I can tell it's not wood ^^.

There was no precise information about the age given. They just said it's "an old one".

I have read some other posts in the forum and I was very impressed about what you guys are able to find out.

Salaams marcel.modes ~ Did you buy it in the fort at Nizwa? I must get over there and have a look. Ok this is cowhorn. Nothing wrong with that as its a standard horn used on many daggers. It could be from Sur as its smaller and compact typical of a seamans Khanjar... The decoration is as you say off the coast. Generally we group this design as Baatina (coastal Oman ) but Sur south of Muscat down the coast is probably right. I cant be sure about age but anyway its not new... 20 or 30 years ...please see The Omani Khanjar at http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14878

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[BANTARU]

hey marcel. Its bovine (cow) horn as Ibrahiim rightly said. However it is still a fine piece.