Help with a Yataghan please?

[Ferguson]

Hello friends,
Just won a Yataghan on Ebay, and I've no experience with them. I've been searching this forum, and Artzi's very fine site to see what I could learn. Won't receive it for a few days, but the auction is here. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230365189113

It looks a bit similar in general form to this one on Oriental Arms.
http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=3254

So it's Turkish maybe, instead of Balkan? Any thoughts appreciated.

With regards to cleaning and preservation, I plan to use just silver polish to take the dirt and tarnish off of the silver and gold koftgari. I assume I won't be able to etch the blade without hurting the koftgari?

Thanks!
Steve Ferguson

[TVV]

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]

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. :D

Steve

Photos from the auction.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat108-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat208-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat308-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat4yat108-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat508-09-2009.jpg

[Ferguson]

And the rest.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat608-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat708-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat808-09-2009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Yataghan/yat908-09-2009.jpg

[ariel]

Steve,
Are you sure you did not overpay?

:-)

[Rick]

Nice Steve .

Ariel, I think he mugged the guy . ;) :D

[Ferguson]

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

Steve

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Steve,
"I'll take a dozen. Wait a minute, on second thoughts make that two dozen". :D :D

Nice going.
My Regards,
Norman.

[kronckew]

wow, really nice snag, bro!

looks like it's well decorated and any etching should be restricted to a small test area well away from the decorations.

[M ELEY]

No way! You've got to be kidding me! Fantastc buy, Steve! Have'nt had a bargain buy like that in over a decade. Very nice piece! Too bad there wasn't another for my pirate collection (Barbary corsairs and what not- ;) )

[Lew]

It was a steal bud. ;)

Congrats

[Ferguson]

Thanks all. Finally got around to taking some pictures. The blade is monosteel, and a lot of the koftgari has worn off, but I'm still exceedingly lucky to have it.
Steve

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/yataghan-overall.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/yataghan-ricasso.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/yataghan-inscription.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/yataghan-hilt-below.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/yataghan-hilt-above.jpg

[ariel]

If you flip the blade, there is a date : 1256=1840. Or, is it my fantasy?

[Ferguson]

If you flip the blade, there is a date : 1256=1840. Or, is it my fantasy?

What language would it be Ariel?

Thanks!
Steve