New sword from balkan for Identification

[Emanuel]

Hello Daniel,

I did not say it was a replica and I don't think it is. The blade might be very genuine, just altered. The guard is not original of course, so that might have been added. On the whole I'd say it is an old blade that was changed at some time. You can tell better than I can how the blade is made. Does it taper correctly?

As I understand it the yataghan stopped being used as a functional weapon at the turn of the 20th century. Shepherds and peasants might have continued using the karakulak and might still make them. The blades seem older though so who knows? early 20th century? The scroll-work on the small one make me think it's older.

Perhaps forum member Teodor (TVV) can chime in on this.

Emanuel

[dandi]

Hi, DanielUka,
My name is also Daniel
The sword from the first picture is a Balkan yataghan, which grip is revamped late, it is not the original one. Such swords you may find in Bulgaria-revamped or with grips/handles made in a hurry as people had to be supplied with swords very quickly during the Bulgarian April Uprising in 1876. I am not sure where this swords originates from, but it was made/revamped in the same way.
As far as the second picture is concerned - it is a typical karakulak, as the missing grip of the sword was made by a buffalo horn.
Here I send pictures of my collection of karakulas, so if you decide you may recover the missing grips/handles.
Best regards,
Dandi

[DanielUka]

Very nice collection daniel ! they look like bosnian bichaq !