19th century (Serbian woman's) knife

[gp]

Some time ago at an auction, my attention was drawn to a for me odd description "Two Balkan woman's daggers,".

To my knowledge of the Balkans, the ladies over there are in no need of a knive as their tongue is sharper then a yataghan and faster then an AK47 Kalashnikov.☺ and no...I have not been touchin' rakija ☼

Nevertheless I went for them and won. A third soon fell into my lap as well. This time it stated to be of Serbian origin...(?)

Next to their (women's) role in the Balkan society only a few exceptions existed ( a lady brigand in Hercegowina during the insurrection against the Ottomans and one strong Serbian Queen who got murdered) and it was not common that they carried weapons.



These 3 knives are for sure 19th century and from the Balkans and most likely from the former Yu region (perhaps Bulgaria ...?)

As for dimensions:

the small one

total length: 15 cm (with scabbard) - 13,7 cm (without)
blade: 7 cm
handle: 7 cm

[gp]

the middle one:

total length: 21 cm (with scabbard) - 20 cm (without)
blade: 11 cm
handle: 9 cm

[gp]

the top one:

total length: 23,5 cm (with scabbard) - 22,5 cm (without)
blade: 12 cm
handle: 10 cm

[Sajen]

Have a look here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24382&highlight=balkan

[gp]

Have a look here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24382&highlight=balkan
Thnx a lot / herzlichen Dank !

Indeed I see some common similarities with some Bulgarian ones, but unfortunately none with complete copper octagonal handles.
Perhaps that my 3 ones are a fancy version ?

Also the stamp / mark on the small one like an "M" is quite a rude mark compared to the nice (caligraphic) marks on other 2.

[Sajen]

Hi GP,

You are welcome! :) You need to read the given thread, my both knives get identified from our member sfeonid13 as Laz knives, Black Sea region, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.php?p=234291&postcount=10

The bigger one I've sold, the small one I still keep, it's a very well made and for it's size heavy knife.
Yours just have brass handles but the blade form and the engravings on the blade are the give-away IMVHO.

Best regards,
Detlef

[gp]

Thnx again!

Question: what was the function of the smaller knives ?

Best regards

Gunar

[Sajen]

Question: what was the function of the smaller knives ?

Hi Gunar,

I just don't know and only can guess, a possible small side knife from a set like we know from other sets?
My one is really small and don't fall in a area of my interest but it's so good worked and nice that I decided to keep it.
Here it was shown again: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25821&highlight=miniature
There you can see how small it's indeed.

Regards,
Detlef

[gp]

My first thought or better my guess was as mentioned in the strings of your link it also to be a piece of craftmanship based upon the traditional system from journeyman to master / geselle - meister / compagnon - maitre .
Especially when I am looking at the quality of the pieces.
But as I can not back that up by whatever proof it remains an open question to me. So thank you for your reply, making two of us not knowing

Best regards

Gunar

:shrug: :)

[gp]

So thank you for your reply, making two of us not knowing :shrug: :)
Should be : Not knowing what the function of the small knives are...

[Sajen]

Should be : Not knowing what the function of the small knives are...

I've understand what you mean! ;) :D