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Originally Posted by Oliver Pinchot
Kubur, for a sound attribution for this type of blade, see Astvatsaturian, Oruzhiye Narodov Kavkaza (Atlant, 2004-- this is the most recent, expanded edition) p. 334. Dr. Astvatsaturian discusses the type but also shows examples signed with stamps, with Arabic as well as Armenian signatures, interestingly.
Let's assume for a moment, that there was no established documentation. When you look at a weapon such as this, which is generally mounted with Persian coins on the grips, and which shows Persian motifs on the scabbard mounts (provided it has them) it is reasonable to assume the blade is likewise Persian. First, however, consider the overall form of the weapon-- it is Caucasian, not Persian. Then, look at commonalities-- even if you have never before seen a Georgian saber with a blade of this type, have you seen a similar blade which would bear out a Persian attribution? I.e., straight, broad, single-edged, acutely-pointed, struck with a stamp, and forged with complex, asymmetrical fullering? The form, wherever it may have been made, does not fit into the set of characteristics which identify Persian work.
Without doubt, there are weapons of general "kindjal" form which were made entirely in Northern Persia; the blades of those weapons, however, are either distinct from these, or are copies with notable differences. The blades under discussion here were exported in large numbers from the Caucasus, together with saber blades of many forms, to Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa. See Elgood, The Arms and Armour of Arabia (Scolar, 1994) p. 22-25 for a discussion of hussar-style blades and images of a blade which any of us would be inclined to attribute to a Persian workshop.
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