[CharlesS]

I am unfamiliar with this type of dagger from the kindjal/qama family. It is certainly short and robust and quality made, but quite a bit less elegant than some kindjals. It almost seems more like a Roman gladius.

The hilt appears to be of rhino horn with silver nielloed rivet caps and the worn green velvet(appears original)covered scabbard is decorated in silver niello with a very unusually shaped chape.

The blade is short, with a somewhat blunted tip compared to most kindjals' long elegant tips, and it is multi fullered in an artistic manner. There is a maker's mark and year or inscription in Arabic.

Overall length: 19.5in.
Blade length: 12.5in.
Blade width: 1.75in.

I'd be most grateful for any help identifying the origin of this dagger and wonder if this particular style has its own name or genre.

Thanks in advance for any help.