Indo / Arab Jambiya

[kahnjar1]

Hi Miguel,
You are right about the SCABBARD being what is described as Hejaz. This style comes from southern Yemen around the Aden region. The punched script is just that....script, which some one here may be able to translate for you if you could post clear pics. I have a strong suspicion that the knife is not original to the scabbard and is a much later Indian made addition.
The scabbard is worthy of attention as it is very nice, and I suspect by the way it looks, that the silver is of good quality.
Stu

[A.alnakkas]

interesting piece. Like Stu I think the piece is put together. If you can post better photos I will be able to translate. Already done with half :-)

This type of dagger usually comes with "Baqatyan" name, a maker whose descendants still work in the business and make items in the same style.

[Multumesc]

Beautiful knife.

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by Multumesc

Beautiful knife.

Thank you for your kind comment. I really like this piece myself I think the knife maker created a perfect balance matching that handle with that blade.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

interesting piece. Like Stu I think the piece is put together. If you can post better photos I will be able to translate. Already done with half :-)

This type of dagger usually comes with "Baqatyan" name, a maker whose descendants still work in the business and make items in the same style.

Hello Mr A.alnakkas and thank you so much for your comments and info. I have taken some more photos of the script and really hope that they are clear enough for you to complete your translation for which I will be most grateful. I have also included a photo of inside the throat of the scabbard.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Miguel,
You are right about the SCABBARD being what is described as Hejaz. This style comes from southern Yemen around the Aden region. The punched script is just that....script, which some one here may be able to translate for you if you could post clear pics. I have a strong suspicion that the knife is not original to the scabbard and is a much later Indian made addition.
The scabbard is worthy of attention as it is very nice, and I suspect by the way it looks, that the silver is of good quality.
Stu

Hi Stu,

Thanks for your interesting comments and information, it is fascinating what unfolds about items posted for comment and info when knowledgeable members kindly give their time to pass on their knowledge.

I wonder how the scabbard got to India and whether the dagger was made for an Indian who liked the scabbard or an Arab who liked the pistol grip style of handle.? Whoever made the knife and handle must have been very skilled and in my opinion did a perfect job. For interest I obtained this piece in the early 70`s in a part exchange deal with money as well for my Bayonet collection at the time it being the first Ethno weapon I purchased.
Regards
Miguel

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi Stu,

Thanks for your interesting comments and information, it is fascinating what unfolds about items posted for comment and info when knowledgeable members kindly give their time to pass on their knowledge.

I wonder how the scabbard got to India and whether the dagger was made for an Indian who liked the scabbard or an Arab who liked the pistol grip style of handle.? Whoever made the knife and handle must have been very skilled and in my opinion did a perfect job. For interest I obtained this piece in the early 70`s in a part exchange deal with money as well for my Bayonet collection at the time it being the first Ethno weapon I purchased.
Regards
Miguel

Hi Miguel,
The contact between India and the Arabian peninsula goes back a very long time in terms of trade etc so the flow of items went both ways. This is probably one of those happenings. Interesting that you have had the knife since the 70s. I had been thinking a very late mating of the two parts.
Re the blade.....can you tell if it is forged or is it a "sandwich" blade (made in two parts and joined together)?
Stu

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Miguel,
The contact between India and the Arabian peninsula goes back a very long time in terms of trade etc so the flow of items went both ways. This is probably one of those happenings. Interesting that you have had the knife since the 70s. I had been thinking a very late mating of the two parts.
Re the blade.....can you tell if it is forged or is it a "sandwich" blade (made in two parts and joined together)?
Stu

Hi Stu,

I would say that the blade is forged not sandwich construction also on comparison with my other Arab Khanjars and Yemeni Jambiya that the blade is Arab and not Indian made but not being an expert I could be wrong as I said I have had it in my possession for the best part of 45 years. Thanks again for your interest and comments.
Regards
Miguel

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi Stu,

I would say that the blade is forged not sandwich construction also on comparison with my other Arab Khanjars and Yemeni Jambiya that the blade is Arab and not Indian made but not being an expert I could be wrong as I said I have had it in my possession for the best part of 45 years. Thanks again for your interest and comments.
Regards
Miguel

....so the assumption here, and it is only an assumption, is that what you have is likely an original scabbard and blade, with a new handle fitted at some stage. Whatever the outcome, it is a nice and very interesting piece showing cross cultural traits.
Stu

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

....so the assumption here, and it is only an assumption, is that what you have is likely an original scabbard and blade, with a new handle fitted at some stage. Whatever the outcome, it is a nice and very interesting piece showing cross cultural traits.
Stu

Hi Stu,
I could not have put it better myself. I am hoping that A. ainakkas comes back with a translation that might shed some more light on the scabbard.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

interesting piece. Like Stu I think the piece is put together. If you can post better photos I will be able to translate. Already done with half :-)

Hope the new photos were clear enough for your purpose.
Regards
Miguel