Ottoman Bıchaq, possibly Bosnia?

johnny_Gat32 · Today, 03:04 AM

Good evening to the forum. I recently acquired this Ottoman bıçak; it appears to have ivory, and faint remains of acid etching on the blade. On the metal fittings of the ears (hilt extensions), there is arabesque work that extends up to the blade. The color is gray, and for a moment I thought it was paint, but there is no evidence that it has been painted.

I would like to know if you could help me identify it and also tell me the name of the technique used for the arabesques on the metal joint between the ears. Additionally, the pommel has a distinctive finish.

thanks in return!

gp · Today, 05:15 PM

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Battara · Today, 06:14 PM

Nice. I like the floral decor.

I think this is Cretan though.

TVV · Today, 06:18 PM

While the pictures do not show the blade, it looks like you have a Cretan knife. A search of the forum will produce some similar examples for comparison.

Today, 03:04 AM	#1
johnny_Gat32 Member Join Date: May 2026 Posts: 3	Ottoman Bıchaq, possibly Bosnia? Good evening to the forum. I recently acquired this Ottoman bıçak; it appears to have ivory, and faint remains of acid etching on the blade. On the metal fittings of the ears (hilt extensions), there is arabesque work that extends up to the blade. The color is gray, and for a moment I thought it was paint, but there is no evidence that it has been painted. I would like to know if you could help me identify it and also tell me the name of the technique used for the arabesques on the metal joint between the ears. Additionally, the pommel has a distinctive finish. thanks in return! Attached Images

Today, 05:15 PM	#2
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 1,022	tried to send you a reply to your message but could not proceed. Root cause : "johnny_Gat32 has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space." if you delete or clean up, you can receive messages / replies again

Today, 06:14 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,403	Nice. I like the floral decor. I think this is Cretan though.

Today, 06:18 PM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,769	While the pictures do not show the blade, it looks like you have a Cretan knife. A search of the forum will produce some similar examples for comparison.