Jordanian dagger?
 

Hello new member here.

I have recently acquired a Jordanian dagger for quite a decent price. If I am not mistaken, it may be called a shibriya but the blade shape does not match the other shibriya seen on the web. The dagger is very small. It is only about 7 inch in overall length, with a 3 1/2 inch blade. Here is some pictures I have managed to take recently:
http://imgur.com/6xPv7.jpg
http://imgur.com/ZZJfM.jpg
http://imgur.com/EGdtP.jpg
Note the size of the dagger with a pencil
http://imgur.com/eI9Ah.jpg

My question here is:
1) Would this dagger be considered "authentic functional shibriya" or more of a tourist piece?
2) Could someone translate the Arabic inscription on the dagger? To my knowledge the dagger was probably purchased in 1990.

The double edge blade is fairly sharp and the polish is pretty decent.

Thanks!

WELCOME TO THE FORUM. :)

THIS IS NOT MY FIELD, BUT AS NONE OF THE MEMBERS COLLECTING IN THE FIELD SEEM TO BE AROUND I WILL RESPOND UNTILL THEY CAN TAKE A LOOK. THE QUALITY LOOKS BETTER THAN WOULD BE LIKELY TO BE FOUND ON A TOURIST PIECE. IT APPEARS TO BE GOOD QUALITY SILVER OR AT LEAST GOOD THICK SILVER PLATE. IF IT IS SOLID SILVER I WOULD SAY IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT A TOURIST ITEM. DUE TO ITS SMALL SIZE PERHAPS IT WAS FOR CONCELED CARRY OR FOR A WOMAN. THIS POST WILL BRING IT TO THE TOP AND PERHAPS DOM OR ONE OF THE OTHER MEMBERS CAN DECIPER THE WRITEING. GOOD LUCK

Thanks for your reply Vandoo,

I am not exaclty sure on the composition of the metal, but I have my doubts it is solid silver... in any case, is there any way to tell if it is indeed silver or just metal plated with silver or any other metal?

About the size, you mentioned it could be conceal carry weapon. I guess I have another question, is there any rule or custom that specify that women is allowed/prohibited from carry weapon in the open/concealed? To my knowledge the Bedouin men carry the dagger as out in the open.

It looks recent no doubt; but the pictures show a fairly nice piece of work .
Whether for the Traveler For Pleasure or local consumption it seems a simple but handsome little Kanjar .*
I certainly would not object to owning it .
*(only because of the blade profile)

Also not my field, but a very nice dagger.
Maybe Dom is able to give a translation and some further comment.

BTW welcome to the forum

Welcome BTW :D
indeed very nice "shibriya", not in silver, even silver plated as I read it, but in "white metal"
contemporary dagger, very sober, good proportions

reading of the mention (could be the commercial reason of the blacksmith)
ABDEL HAMID ???? it's a name
ABOU M'RECHE ... till yet the name
WA ALOULA'DO either AND HIS SONS
AMMAN either Jordan City
the digit 3 ... might be fabrication serial number
vertically, what seems to be a date 1990

à +

Dom

THE REASON I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE GOOD QUALITY SILVER WAS THE REFLECTIONS IN THE PICTURE. WHITE METAL USUALLY WILL NOT SHOW A REFLECTION SILVER AND CHROME WILL. IF YOU CAN GET A LOOK AT AN EDGE OF THE METAL ON THE SCABBARD YOU CAN SEE IF ITS PLATED OR UNIFORM THRUOUT.
I KNOW THAT WOMEN IN THAT PART OF THE WORLD ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY A SMALL KNIFE AND AS FAR AS I KNOW IT IS USUALLY WORN HIDDEN BUT WITH EASY ACCESS. EITHER WAY ITS A NICE LOOKING WELL MADE LITTLE DAGGER.

Hi Vandoo
you could be right, but in that case .. where is the "stamp" ;)
even, if plated :p

à +

Dom