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Old 9th March 2006, 07:19 AM   #7
ham
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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This is an Ottoman boys dagger from the Trabzon area, it dates c. 1900-1920.
The type tends to be of very good, occasionally excellent, workmanship.
The inscription on the blade is probably the boy's name but it isn't quite clear. If you can post another image perhaps it can be read more easily.

Kama is what a Turk would call this dagger, kindjal is really a Russian word found in most texts but the Caucasian languages each render the word "dagger," and numerous varieties thereof, in different manners- Rivkin possibly can say more on this subject. I have run across at least 6 different terms for what we would simply call a "kindjal" in both Georgian and Adiga.

The term "fuller" is the correct one for forged-in grooves, as they are produced with a fuller or fullering tool.

Nice example, the mounts will no doubt clean to reveal an alloyed silver
common in Anatolia in the latter Ottoman period.

Ham
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