Kindjal (qama) for Restoration

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hello,

Years ago, I acquired a kindjal, the picture of which I am attaching (unfortunately, currently I only have one photo available...).

I believe it is an Ottoman kindjal, very likely originating directly from the Anatolian region. I am considering a complete yet sensitive restoration, including adding the missing parts of the handle and the missing fittings on the scabbard. During my online research, I found only a few similar types of such kindjal (or qama) and came to the conclusion that the "metal band for the hanging loop" on the upper fitting (as we are used to see on all other kindjals/qamas from the Caucasus, South Caucasus, Iran, Syria, etc.) was not present on this type of dagger. Instead, the scabbards were equipped with a relatively finely made suspension loop, welded to the back or to the side of the upper fitting.

For complete info, on the back of the scabbard, there is a nicely preserved spiral stitching with brass wire, which is typical, for example, of Ottoman sabers´ scabbards from the 19th century. Also, as you can see, the surface of the scabbard clearly shows the relief of the missing fittings.

The handle is made from a single piece of horn, and the tang extending from the blade is firmly embedded in it. The tang does not run all the way through the handle to its end, yet it holds completely firmly (I wonder what technique they used back then to achieve such strength…). The missing rivets (see the holes left behind) therefore had only a decorative function. Based on similar types I have seen, these decorative “rivets” were shaped like flowers and often made of gilded silver, adorned with red grooved coral worked into teardrop shapes.

For possible future restoration, I would appreciate photos of scabbards of this kindjal/qama type, and possibly also photos of the decorative rivets on the handle, although I have already seen a few handles. However, preserved scabbards are very rare in this case.

I would also be grateful for information on whether the inscription on the blade is in so-called Osmanlı or pure Arabic, and for its translation. In my opinion, the date mentioned corresponds to the year 1870.

Best,

Martin