Calligraphy handled (choora?) dagger

[kronckew]

Really short stub tangs, like those in stone, glass, or crystal knives are not meant for actual combat. (Unless maybe the stub is braised in place in this metal grip?)


The 'funny' loop on the scabbard chape is more functional. You can tie decorative tassels to it, and it helps keep the scabbard in your sash when you pull out the dagger only to have the blade snap off at the glued-in tang when you stabbed an opponent in the armour.

[mahratt]

Originally Posted by kronckew

The 'funny' loop on the scabbard chape is more functional. You can tie decorative tassels to it, and it helps keep the scabbard in your sash when you pull out the dagger only to have the blade snap off at the glued-in tang when you stabbed an opponent in the armour.

Thank you very much for the information. I will be very grateful if you post similar "loops" in the topic. It will be especially interesting if there are photos with such a loop on the bottom part of the scabbard, to which decorative tassels will be attached.

[ariel]

The peshkabz from the “ Splendeur…” was part of the 1988 exhibition of oriental weapons. Those came from the collections of renowned French and British collectors as well as from some selected collectors who wished to remained anonymous. All items were carefully selected by the organizing committee. The peshkabz shown there is a virtual copy of the one acquired by 10thRoyal.

Nevertheless, I trust the integrity and the knowledge of the owners of the item exhibited in 1988 and the organizing committee. In the absence of any evidence of forgery/recent manufacture of either example all claims of the above should be viewed as baseless. All arguments in favor of “touristy” origin of the peshkabz shown here are based on some features of the scabbard. However, all other examples came without scabbards, so these arguments are invalid and cannot be counted as facts.

If somebody still believes the contrary, the onus is on him/her to prove it with hard facts.

For a long time everybody dated the so-called “chevron blades” to 17th century. It took Elgood to find out the descendant of the dynasty inventing such blades in the 19th century and to observe actual process of forging to change our belief.

[mahratt]

Originally Posted by ariel

In the absence of any evidence of forgery/recent manufacture of either example all claims of the above should be viewed as baseless. If somebody still believes the contrary, the onus is on him/her to prove it with hard facts.

Keeping faith in miracles is wonderful.

[fernando]

Done with, Gentlemen !

[David]

As someone whose collecting knowledge comes from the wild and wacky world of keris i must say that i have encountered many blades that would not be very good functional weapons that are in no way, shape or form "tourist" items. Is it possible this blade was created for a ceremonial function and not a practical one?

[10thRoyal]

Originally Posted by kronckew

...only to have the blade snap off at the glued-in tang when you stabbed an opponent in the armour.

I would pay good money to travel back in time to see this interaction play out.

[ariel]

Originally Posted by kronckew

Really short stub tangs, like those in stone, glass, or crystal knives are not meant for actual combat. (Unless maybe the stub is braised in place in this metal grip?)

I think you might be right: peshkabz tangs are as a rule shifted toward the spine of the blade. But the only component of the that might be inserted into is one of the square " diamonds". Even that is impossible: the " diamond" touches the base of the blade by its acute angle.

We are left with the possibility that the joint between the two parts of this dagger took the idea from N. Indian katars: some kind of braising ( but we do not see any trace of brass or silver ) or having a split outcropping of the handle, inserting the base of the blade into the created gap and forging them together. If that was the case, the connection is likely to be strong and practical.
But the handle itself is awfully awkward for a good grip. Again: not a comfortable weapon, but a beautiful one.

The chamfered edge of the blade was immensely popular on Afghani Ch'hurras and " khybers". NW India and Afghanistan are both likely possibilities.

[10thRoyal]

Well I can confirm that it's not comfortable to hold in any way, shape, or form.

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by ariel

...
We are left with the possibility that the joint between the two parts of this dagger took the idea from N. Indian katars: some kind of braising (but we do not see any trace of brass or silver ) or having a split outcropping of the handle, inserting the base of the blade into the created gap and forging them together. ...

Another possibility is a 'shrink fit' where the tang is slightly larger than the grip opening, which is heated to enlarge the opening, tang quickly inserted, and the grip shrinks as it cools again, imprisoning the tang permanently.

p.s.- Many Indo-Persian arms have grips that are uncomfortable for 'modern' hands who will likely not hold them the same as the blade's contemporary user.