Now that you mention it, I DO recall seeing a plethora of these a few years ago out of a confiscated container or such and even had 3 or 4, but the workmanship and gaudiness were so inferior in comparison that even side by side, it never occurred to me that thay could be the same weapon/knife.
Most were in either velvet or very thin brass scabbards, with many adorned with huge glass jewels!!!
I think the emblem also threw me, construing it as Turkish, thus knocking Uzbekistan out of the running.
Now I feel REALLY foolish, but it only serves to make me admire this one even more.
As it "grew" on me and I studied it more and more, it became evident that it was completely hand made, something unusual compared to most "contemporary" pieces, showing that there ARE still some outstanding traditional craftsmen carrying on time honored traditions, with their work apparently just never making it outside of their homeland.
Thank you again for opening my eyes.
Mike
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