Bosnian Bichaq

Mel H · 31st May 2020, 08:36 PM

Another one.

gp · 7th June 2020, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel H

Another one.

a very nice one indeed !

gp · 7th June 2020, 10:59 AM

as there is quite a variety in these 1882-1916 Bichaqs, perhaps I can shed a little light and assist those of you who have one or more of these very nice bichaqs with regards to determination and comparison as there is on bichaqs in general but unfortunately virtually none literature on this type.
So a first kick off ;

next to info I already added in previous posts, the length can be betweenn 12 and 44 cm, where 12 cm is the "cutlery" type and the 44 cm more closer to the yataghan but lacks the typical yataghan characteristics. Hence I would prefer to call it an extended or long bichaq ( mostly receognized by a double "f" stamped on the blade).

Basicly the average Bosnian Bichaq during the K.u.K. era made has :

- a blade length of 18 cm ( +/- 1 cm)
- handle / hilt lenght of 9 cm (+/- 0,5 cm)
- a copper ferrule which can vary between 1,3 and 3,8 cm (!)

Blades are mostly marked with an "F" or blank. One of my collection has a cresent on the ferrule, which I believe to be a little cheeky with regards to the history of that symbol versus the Coat of Arms of Bosnia and Hercegewina...it not to be “ political” correct at that time as it would refer to a non occupying period or insurrection against the oppressor ( be it Habsburg or Ottoman).
Hence a wish or desire for freedom / independence.

gp · 7th June 2020, 11:04 AM

hereby 4 "18-ers" bichaqs

Sarajevo

blade: 18 cm, handle/ hilt 9 cm , ferrule 1,3 cm

Cresent or “c”:

blade: 17 cm, handle/ hilt 9,5 cm , ferrule 3 cm

"f"

blade: 18 cm, handle/ hilt 8,5 cm , ferrule 3,8 cm

blanco / red dots one:

blade: 18 cm, handle/ hilt 9 cm , ferrule 1,6 cm

gp · 7th June 2020, 11:07 AM

more details on the 4 ( including the cresent) hilt and ferrule

gp · 7th June 2020, 11:08 AM

and last but not least their scabbards: 2 metal and 2 leather ones

leather ones have a length of 20 cm, the metal ones 19,7 and 20 cm

hope this will be of a little assistance...

Battara · 7th June 2020, 06:27 PM

These are great examples folks! Many thanks!

My favorite scabbards are the brass ones.

31st May 2020, 08:36 PM	#1
Mel H Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: North East England. Posts: 107	Another one. Attached Images

7th June 2020, 10:59 AM	#3
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 668	as there is quite a variety in these 1882-1916 Bichaqs, perhaps I can shed a little light and assist those of you who have one or more of these very nice bichaqs with regards to determination and comparison as there is on bichaqs in general but unfortunately virtually none literature on this type. So a first kick off ; next to info I already added in previous posts, the length can be betweenn 12 and 44 cm, where 12 cm is the "cutlery" type and the 44 cm more closer to the yataghan but lacks the typical yataghan characteristics. Hence I would prefer to call it an extended or long bichaq ( mostly receognized by a double "f" stamped on the blade). Basicly the average Bosnian Bichaq during the K.u.K. era made has : - a blade length of 18 cm ( +/- 1 cm) - handle / hilt lenght of 9 cm (+/- 0,5 cm) - a copper ferrule which can vary between 1,3 and 3,8 cm (!) Blades are mostly marked with an "F" or blank. One of my collection has a cresent on the ferrule, which I believe to be a little cheeky with regards to the history of that symbol versus the Coat of Arms of Bosnia and Hercegewina...it not to be “ political” correct at that time as it would refer to a non occupying period or insurrection against the oppressor ( be it Habsburg or Ottoman). Hence a wish or desire for freedom / independence. Attached Images Last edited by gp; 7th June 2020 at 01:51 PM.

7th June 2020, 11:04 AM	#4
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 668	hereby 4 "18-ers" bichaqs Sarajevo blade: 18 cm, handle/ hilt 9 cm , ferrule 1,3 cm Cresent or “c”: blade: 17 cm, handle/ hilt 9,5 cm , ferrule 3 cm "f" blade: 18 cm, handle/ hilt 8,5 cm , ferrule 3,8 cm blanco / red dots one: blade: 18 cm, handle/ hilt 9 cm , ferrule 1,6 cm Attached Images Last edited by gp; 7th June 2020 at 01:56 PM.

7th June 2020, 11:07 AM	#5
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 668	more details on the 4 ( including the cresent) hilt and ferrule Attached Images Last edited by gp; 7th June 2020 at 01:55 PM.

7th June 2020, 11:08 AM	#6
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 668	and last but not least their scabbards: 2 metal and 2 leather ones leather ones have a length of 20 cm, the metal ones 19,7 and 20 cm hope this will be of a little assistance... Attached Images Last edited by gp; 7th June 2020 at 01:54 PM.

7th June 2020, 06:27 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,141	These are great examples folks! Many thanks! My favorite scabbards are the brass ones.