Mysterious shord sword - kama
 

This kama (qama ?) is supposedly Persian/Iranian, but I don`t know how old is it and what`s on the maker`s mark. There are identical inscription on both sides. The lengh is 48cm (19 inches). What is the proper position to look at this mark - hilt directed downward? I would be very grateful for any comments.
[IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...x/IMG_0908.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...x/IMG_0896.jpg[/IMG]

Nothing Persian about it, south Caucasus. If you post a closeup of the cartouche it would be easier. But its probably Georgian or Aramenian

I hope you meant the sheath by cartotuche...

[IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...E/IMG_1000.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../IMG_1000x.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...E/IMG_1001.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../IMG_1001x.jpg[/IMG]
I have one georgian kindjal of similar lenght and it`s very different from this one. What kind of script is on the mark?

Hi Buendia,
Cartouche.
Regards,
Norman.

Pretty sure its Georgian, native speak can confirm it

Thank you very much for your information. I was really convinced of its Persian origin.
I have checked both georgian and armenian alphabets -
looking at the cartouche placed in this position: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_0989cart.jpg the cartouche would yield the armenian letters YKB or possibly YLB. The letter in the middle was not 100% identical with contemporary letters.

In georgian alphabet the first letter would be identified as V, but I was not able to identify the rest 2 letters.

What could these letters mean?
Initials of the maker?

Since it comes from Caucasus shouldn`t it be called kindjal instead of kama?

Well, not exactly :-)
In Georgia and most of Daghestan it is Khanjali ( with minor variations).
In Chechnya/Ingushetiya it is Shalta
In Chircassia and Ossetia it is Kama
There are smaller nationalities as well, and there it varies between Shalta and Kama.

I do not know what it is called in Armenian

I do not know what it is called in Armenian[/QUOTE]

I heard "khanjul" but there are different dialects