Unknown Ottoman Short Sword?

Emanuel · 7th October 2006, 12:42 AM

Hello,

While visiting the National Military Museum in Bucharest, Romania, I came upon this strange weapon. The picture was lost among the many I took and I've just found it again. I don't recall what was written about it, but it was really vague, much as the yataghan next to it was captioned as "Ottoman yataghan"
The handle is ivory I think, and it's quite simple. It actually reminds me of some Persian work.
Any ideas what it might be?

Regards,
Emanuel

ariel · 7th October 2006, 12:58 AM

It is far from "unknown": several of those are shown in Astvatsaturyan's book. They are truly beautiful. The style reminds of "Balkan", but could have been made in Istanbul. What is its the length? Indeed, it looks like a short sword.

Emanuel · 7th October 2006, 01:26 AM

Unknown to me Ariel

You often refer to Astvatsaturyan's book...I really must get a copy.
The blade is about 16 inches, quite short for a sword, but close to a good-sized kindjal no? What is known about them? This one sort of looks like an adapted spear blade.

ariel · 7th October 2006, 02:32 AM

Get this book. even if you do not understand what is written there, the illustrations are spectaculr.
And, of course, pray for "Atlant" issuing it in English ASAP.

Battara · 7th October 2006, 05:04 PM

If I understand right, the top is an Ottoman yatagan with walrus ivory and coral gemstones and the bottom one is an Ottoman court dagger, also of walrus ivory.

7th October 2006, 12:42 AM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Unknown Ottoman Short Sword? Hello, While visiting the National Military Museum in Bucharest, Romania, I came upon this strange weapon. The picture was lost among the many I took and I've just found it again. I don't recall what was written about it, but it was really vague, much as the yataghan next to it was captioned as "Ottoman yataghan" The handle is ivory I think, and it's quite simple. It actually reminds me of some Persian work. Any ideas what it might be? Regards, Emanuel Attached Images

7th October 2006, 12:58 AM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	It is far from "unknown": several of those are shown in Astvatsaturyan's book. They are truly beautiful. The style reminds of "Balkan", but could have been made in Istanbul. What is its the length? Indeed, it looks like a short sword.

7th October 2006, 01:26 AM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Unknown to me Ariel You often refer to Astvatsaturyan's book...I really must get a copy. The blade is about 16 inches, quite short for a sword, but close to a good-sized kindjal no? What is known about them? This one sort of looks like an adapted spear blade.

7th October 2006, 02:32 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Get this book. even if you do not understand what is written there, the illustrations are spectaculr. And, of course, pray for "Atlant" issuing it in English ASAP.

7th October 2006, 05:04 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	If I understand right, the top is an Ottoman yatagan with walrus ivory and coral gemstones and the bottom one is an Ottoman court dagger, also of walrus ivory.