Yataghans

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by TVV

Very nice yataghans Miguel, thank you for sharing. generally speaking, yataghans with big ears of walrus ivory are attributed to the Western Balkans. The first one is very typical, possibly made in Bosnia. The steel furniture on the scabbard is a little more unusual and could be a case of some Western influence.

The second yatghan has lovely silver band and bolsters, in a style associated with Greece. The scabbard with the reptile skin and the shiny brass chape looks to me like a more recent repair/replacement. The chape almost looks like something out of India/Afghanistan and it is possible the whole thing was put together with spare parts, as the reptile skin appears to be glued and not stitched.

Sincerely,
Teodor

Thank you for your comments Teodor I am much obliged for this information. I had a feeling myself about the scabbard of No 2 not being quite right and I think your comments re being put together with spare parts may well be the case, I have compared the chape with the ones on my Khyber Knife scabbards and they are similar.
You did not comment on the `Seal of Solomon` inscription and I would be grateful to learn whether it is talismanic or something else.
Regards
Miguel

[estcrh]

Is this scabbard old or new/newish?

[Miguel]

From it`s condition externaly and from the wooden liners I believe it to be old
Miguel

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Miguel

From it`s condition externaly and from the wooden liners I believe it to be old
Miguel

If you have a better picture of the scabbard mounts I would like to see them. Here is another yatagan that is extremely similar to yours.

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by estcrh

If you have a better picture of the scabbard mounts I would like to see them. Here is another yatagan that is extremely similar to yours.

I will try and take some better photos of the fittings for you but you may have to wait a day or two as I will have to retrieve it from its storage box in the loft but it wont be any problem. Your Yataghans and scabbard do look very similar and it will be interest to compare the scabbard fittings. I hope the photos will be good enough as I think you know I am pretty hopeless with the camera anyway I will do my best.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Hi estcrh,

Photos as promised hope they are OK for your purpose. Miguel

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi estcrh,

Photos as promised hope they are OK for your purpose. Miguel

Thanks Miquel, so it looks like the pattern is made from strips of metal crossing over each other that have been applied on top of the throat and chape, is this correct?

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Miguel

You did not comment on the `Seal of Solomon` inscription and I would be grateful to learn whether it is talismanic or something else.
Regards
Miguel

Miguel,

The so-called seal of Solomon was actually quite common on yataghans. Its symbolism perhaps was a representation of the vastness of the universe. If you do a search, I believe there have been some discussions on its use and meaning in older threads.

Regards,
Teodor

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by TVV

Miguel,

The so-called seal of Solomon was actually quite common on yataghans. Its symbolism perhaps was a representation of the vastness of the universe. If you do a search, I believe there have been some discussions on its use and meaning in older threads.

Regards,
Teodor

Thanks Teodor, I am much obliged for the information.
Regards
Miguel