19c Balkan Greco-Turkish Yataghan?

[kronckew]

Possibly Bulgarian? Karakulak? Comments and any other info appreciated. Thanks.


The Auctioneer kept saying I was from UK and the other bidder was from Bulgaria. If he's one of our members, sorry, but :p.


Sadly, no scabbard, blade appears rusty but not pitted. Tiny bit of tip gone.



Unusual brass bolster/tunkou finger ring as part of the grip. Wood slab sides. 62 cm. overall.



Will be doing a bit of cleaning & active rust/verdigris removal. Will post better pics after...

[kronckew]

...Reminds me of my Espada Ancha. :D

[TVV]

It does not look like any of the shepherds' knives coming out of Bulgaria. I have no idea where it is from, but the ring is very unusual and interesting.

[kronckew]

There may be some markings or decorations under the rust. Hopefully, they will survive cleaning.

[David R]

That finger ring has a very "German" look to me, as in influence or ethnicity. Pandour yatagan anyone?

[kronckew]

It arrived a day or so ago.

Blade is 51 cm. LOA is 62 cm.
Weight is 715gm. feels heavy. Flat spine, no false edge/yelman. No fullers. No apparent engraving yet. One stamp that is a bit indistinct. small ear yat grip, black horn (i.e. karakulak) rivets/ bolster/tonku/ring are brass or bronze.
Brushed off loose red stuff and verdigris.


stamp area appears to have a very turkish looking stamp, but can't tell yet. VBit more cleaning then oiling to do.


Pics:

[kronckew]

Bit more cleaning around the blade stamp mark

[kronckew]

Slightly better HDR 'macro' photo of stamp: