Weapons of the Pandours, and Who Were They?

TVV · 31st October 2010, 06:27 AM

The following yataghan was found recently in Bulgaria. Unfortunately, it is not mine, but the owner has been kind enough to provide plenty of pictures. The hilt is similar to the one from the Auctions Imperial catalogue. The guard is different, with down turned quillons. Interestingly enough, the blade is similar to a group of yataghans posted by Rumpel here.

While Buttin attributes this type to Von Trenck's troops, there are similarly hilted yataghans in Elgood's book, which have a confirmed provenance of belonging to Greek freedom fighters. I am starting to think that the form was spread throughout the Balkans in the 18th century. Certainly, not many have survived until today though.

Regards,
Teodor

31st October 2010, 06:27 AM	#8
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,660	The following yataghan was found recently in Bulgaria. Unfortunately, it is not mine, but the owner has been kind enough to provide plenty of pictures. The hilt is similar to the one from the Auctions Imperial catalogue. The guard is different, with down turned quillons. Interestingly enough, the blade is similar to a group of yataghans posted by Rumpel here. While Buttin attributes this type to Von Trenck's troops, there are similarly hilted yataghans in Elgood's book, which have a confirmed provenance of belonging to Greek freedom fighters. I am starting to think that the form was spread throughout the Balkans in the 18th century. Certainly, not many have survived until today though. Regards, Teodor Attached Images