Yataghan with T-shaped pommel

Emanuel · 12th November 2013, 01:01 AM

Yes Teodor, Ariel's post is what got me looking into Zeybeks.

Thank you for the clarification Sancar. The term "Zeybek" wasn't clear when I first read about it. Robert Elgood in "The Arms of Greece" lists one example (#172) that's actually very nicely decorated in silver with the T-pommel and he also notes the Yoruk origin of many Zeybeks.

The thing about these yataghan is that they tend to have thicker blades than the Balkan types. Generally the blade is twice as thick and it has an integral bolster. There are also very similar yataghan with horn pommel scales with very small "years", and often with "Turkish ribbon" blades, and a false silver or solder bolster at the base of integral bolster, said to be 18th century (attached), so I'm trying to track down the areas of their manufacture.

On the surface all yataghan are similar, with the same overall shape. The construction is different though, thick blade with thick tang and integral bolster, thin blades with same thickness all the way to the tang and separate silver/gold/whatever bolsters that are aesthetic, not structural.

Where and when did this thicker construction method come into play?

Emanuel

Emanuel · 20th November 2013, 11:17 PM

Some more photos of Zeibeks from 1880.

eftihis · 17th December 2013, 01:37 PM

Thanks for the very helpful explanations Sancar!

ariel · 18th December 2013, 12:39 AM

Here is the proof that Zeibeks are not an ethnicity but rather an occupation, or belonging to a certain clan: the very first pic in the recent Emanuel's series shows 2 distinctly African types. The one with the yataghan between his teeth is particularly splendid: if you can do that, you do not need a dentist:-)

20th November 2013, 11:17 PM	#2
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Some more photos of Zeibeks from 1880. Attached Images

12th November 2013, 01:01 AM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Yes Teodor, Ariel's post is what got me looking into Zeybeks. Thank you for the clarification Sancar. The term "Zeybek" wasn't clear when I first read about it. Robert Elgood in "The Arms of Greece" lists one example (#172) that's actually very nicely decorated in silver with the T-pommel and he also notes the Yoruk origin of many Zeybeks. The thing about these yataghan is that they tend to have thicker blades than the Balkan types. Generally the blade is twice as thick and it has an integral bolster. There are also very similar yataghan with horn pommel scales with very small "years", and often with "Turkish ribbon" blades, and a false silver or solder bolster at the base of integral bolster, said to be 18th century (attached), so I'm trying to track down the areas of their manufacture. On the surface all yataghan are similar, with the same overall shape. The construction is different though, thick blade with thick tang and integral bolster, thin blades with same thickness all the way to the tang and separate silver/gold/whatever bolsters that are aesthetic, not structural. Where and when did this thicker construction method come into play? Emanuel Attached Images

17th December 2013, 01:37 PM	#3
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 511	Thanks for the very helpful explanations Sancar!

18th December 2013, 12:39 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Here is the proof that Zeibeks are not an ethnicity but rather an occupation, or belonging to a certain clan: the very first pic in the recent Emanuel's series shows 2 distinctly African types. The one with the yataghan between his teeth is particularly splendid: if you can do that, you do not need a dentist:-)