The Wootz Yataghan Thread

[CharlesS]

For years I was convinced that a wootz yataghan did not exist and had several discussions with other collectors about it; some agreed, some did not. About 10 years ago I found my first wootz yataghan(#1 below) and only recently found my second example(#2 below). Rsword and I thought it would be cool to put together a thread that explored exclusively yataghans with wootz blades. Pattern welded examples and twistcore examples are less rare, though beautiful nonetheless, but here let's see some more examples of yataghans with wootz blades, including the various forms of wootz. I am sure Rsword has an example to contribute and hope many others will as well.

#1 below is 23 inches overall. #2 is 22.5 inches overall.

[Battara]

Both are great, though my favorite is the first one.

[A.alnakkas]

Amazing. Such lovely rare pieces. Is it far fetched to assume that those are persian trade blades?

[CharlesS]

Honestly, I do not know about the blades, though the quality of the wootz is certainly Persian. The blade style though is quite Ottoman, and typical to lots of yats.

[A.alnakkas]

What made me think its persian made for the turkish market is how similar the fullering and decoration to the ones done on persian made palas. Will try to find examples to share!

[A.alnakkas]

http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=3697

I hope you can see the similarity :-p

[Battara]

Am I right in noticing that the first piece is more Turkish than Balkan?

[ariel]

The second one looks Indian to me based on incised metal both on the blade and the handle.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by ariel

The second one looks Indian to me based on incised metal both on the blade and the handle.

With anything possible in the wonderful world of blades, can you share an image Ariel?

There are numerous Turkish Kilij/Pala with this same handle aspect/design seen along the the spine including the raised ridge.

This Georgian sabre below also shares the same designs along the spine.

Both very nice pieces Charles, congrats and thanks for sharing.

Gav

[ariel]

Poor pics, I know. But if you want Ansel Adams, look elsewhere:-)
Both have very faint and spotty wootz pattern, and I did not want to overetch them.

[ariel]

Agate handle ( one cheek is missing) with tourmalines and emerald.

[Battara]

I like your yats Ariel.

[CharlesS]

Thanks Ariel....great examples!!

[Kurt]

Hi ,
I'm sure this Yatagan was in a Ottoman workshop
produced.
Best
Kurt

[CharlesS]

Gorgeous piece Kurt...thanks for adding it to the thread.

[Battara]

Kurt - great yat - never seen one like this before. Vielen Dank!

[RSWORD]

My apologies Charles for taking so long to post my example but things have been a bit on the busy side for me. Here is my example. It is a good long Yat with a nice coarse wootz pattern with good activity. Interesting in this thread to see two smaller examples in that 20-24" range and then a couple of larger examples in the 28-33" range. Great examples that have been shared and I hope a few more are shared although I can understand given the scarcity of wootz examples that there wouldn't be a tremendous amount anyway.

[CharlesS]

Thanks Rsword...was looking forward to this one. No prob with your being "busy"!