Kindjal or Qama maker's mark information requested

[TVV]

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

Hello -

Any input as to the origin and/or age of the piece would also be highly appreciated. From my lurking on the board, I know there are a couple members (e.g., Gess, TVV, et al) who know kindjals inside and out... has anyone ever constructed a formal typology of kindjal/qama types and subtypes (like Carter did with German WWI Ersatz bayonets)?

Thanks in advance -

Here's the mark, on the obverse side (look to the middle of the photo):

Any and all input is appreciated, and thanks for the same...

While I am flattered, I certainly do not belong in the group of knidjal experts together with Ariel, Gess and others.

I agree that there is a mark next to the floral scroll work, but what name is it, I cannot tell, as I cannot read Arabic. Maybe Dom can help you.

The other markings on the reverse side are too small to enable us to tell anything based on them.

Unfortunately, no typology for kindjals exist, and while certain local varieties are easy to spot, such as those from the Balkans or Syria, the closer you get to the Caucasus, the blurrier it gets.

My guess (and I am prepared to be corrected on this) would be late 19th century, North-Eastern Turkey or Georgia. Nice piece, congratulations.

Regards,
Teodor