Help with a Yataghan please?

TVV · 8th August 2009, 10:40 PM

Good job Steve, I saw this one had a reserve and I decided to pass on it, but I am glad you were able to get the reserve lifted.
The ears are big, which is characteristic of the Balkans. The bolster shape and decoration looks like a group of yataghans in Astvatsaturian's book, which she classifies as coming from Istanbul, the capital of the Empire. The blade decoration and inscriptions are also consistent with this "Stambuli" type.
Silver polish or simply alcohol may be enough to clean the koftgari, without any damage. As for etching - you can always try to rub the acid solution on the areas of the blade around the inscriptions with a cloth, instead of soaking the whole blade and risking damage. There are certain blades that are more likely than others to have a turkish ribbon pattern, and in my experience, this blade is not among them, so the chances for finding a nice pattern are low. However, with yataghans you never really know.
A great acquisition, especially considering the price.
Best regards,
Teodor

Ferguson · 9th August 2009, 12:32 AM

Thank you for the very good information Teodor,
I've much to learn.

My bid didn't meet the reserve, but the very kind gentleman sent me a second chance offer saying that he wanted the sword to go to someone who would appreciate it. I will!

Never thought I would own a Yataghan.

Steve

Photos from the auction.

Ferguson · 9th August 2009, 12:39 AM

And the rest.

ariel · 9th August 2009, 03:22 AM

Steve,
Are you sure you did not overpay?

:-)

Rick · 9th August 2009, 02:58 PM

Nice Steve .

Ariel, I think he mugged the guy .

Ferguson · 9th August 2009, 03:17 PM

I WAS without a doubt, very lucky. I put in a bid knowing that it would go nowhere.

Steve

8th August 2009, 10:40 PM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,725	Good job Steve, I saw this one had a reserve and I decided to pass on it, but I am glad you were able to get the reserve lifted. The ears are big, which is characteristic of the Balkans. The bolster shape and decoration looks like a group of yataghans in Astvatsaturian's book, which she classifies as coming from Istanbul, the capital of the Empire. The blade decoration and inscriptions are also consistent with this "Stambuli" type. Silver polish or simply alcohol may be enough to clean the koftgari, without any damage. As for etching - you can always try to rub the acid solution on the areas of the blade around the inscriptions with a cloth, instead of soaking the whole blade and risking damage. There are certain blades that are more likely than others to have a turkish ribbon pattern, and in my experience, this blade is not among them, so the chances for finding a nice pattern are low. However, with yataghans you never really know. A great acquisition, especially considering the price. Best regards, Teodor Last edited by TVV; 8th August 2009 at 10:51 PM.

9th August 2009, 12:32 AM	#2
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Thank you for the very good information Teodor, I've much to learn. My bid didn't meet the reserve, but the very kind gentleman sent me a second chance offer saying that he wanted the sword to go to someone who would appreciate it. I will! Never thought I would own a Yataghan. Steve Photos from the auction.

9th August 2009, 12:39 AM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	And the rest.

9th August 2009, 03:22 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Steve, Are you sure you did not overpay? :-)

9th August 2009, 02:58 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Nice Steve . Ariel, I think he mugged the guy .

9th August 2009, 03:17 PM	#6
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	I WAS without a doubt, very lucky. I put in a bid knowing that it would go nowhere. Steve