Good Day Teodor,
how to say that the name "Zarif" is certainly Arabic in origin ?
it's because the evidence is not probative that I have put a (?) and wrote (reading under reserve)
the " tune " has been transcribed in European script, but don't sound Arabic at all
in fact, I looked for in the "net" what was answers with that spelling,
what I have found the nearest, is Armenian name (Zarifian)
now, I have I dug bit more, I found a Muslim (according with the first name), an "Zarif Mohamed"
Date :between 1875 et 1900
Record/Source: Frenchman disembarkation from boat in New York
so, our guy could be a Persian, that's is established
what which seems more or less standard is that some weapons, not only from Persia,
are signed by the blade-smith/blacksmith,
and sometimes added the name of the owner of the weapon is added ...
certainly at his request, for the second reference
for instance, I have in my small collection, a "Pala" with following mentions
- a mark stamped on blade by the blade-smith/blacksmith (untranslated ...yet, unsuccessful
)
- cartouche with owner name and date
- cartouche with identification of regiment
- cartouche with virile declaration against his enemy/enemies
all "cartouche" in gold koftgari, and for sure, have been done under request of the owner
at least that's what I think, but I'm not an expert, just an "amateur"
best regards
à +
Dom