HELP WITH A LARGE YATAGHAN!

TVV · 23rd July 2010, 10:16 PM

Gorgeous yataghan, thanks for posting. Those large bellied blades seem to be generally earlier, based on examples in Vienna and Venice museums, all described as trophies from the wars with the Ottomans.

This might be the case here - an Ottoman blade, captured and later given an new scabbard with European fittings.

Regards,
Teodor

ariel · 23rd July 2010, 10:51 PM

Pay attention to the rings: it was hanging, not stuck under the belt.

TVV · 23rd July 2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Pay attention to the rings: it was hanging, not stuck under the belt.

I saw that, and thought about Jim claiming that large yataghans like this were used as a cavalryw eapon, though I am not sure of the reference for this.

Again, it looks to me like someone fitted this yataghan with a scabbard to wear it like a hanger.

ariel · 24th July 2010, 01:39 AM

Elgood's book on Balkan weapons ( pp.150-151) shows yataghans with karabela or kilij handles, crossguards and suspension rings: they all belonged to personalities in the Greek Navy.

Rick · 24th July 2010, 01:43 AM

Outstanding blade profile; beautiful curves !

Similar profile can be seen in Gerome's painting Heads Of The Rebel Beys .

Jim McDougall · 24th July 2010, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVV

I saw that, and thought about Jim claiming that large yataghans like this were used as a cavalryw eapon, though I am not sure of the reference for this.

Again, it looks to me like someone fitted this yataghan with a scabbard to wear it like a hanger.

Thanks Teodor for remembering my comments

These kinds of heavy deep bellied blades I believe were quite possibly used indeed as horsemans sabres in some of the Illyrian units . These were if I remember correctly French units of irregular troops from Balkan regions and often commanded by French officers around the turn of the century into early 19th. . I cannot recall details further but much of this was based on research on one of these swords which had a vestigial crossguard, cleft staghorn grip with large brass grip rivets like this...the blade was of this shape with a crowned cypher and ligature suggesting European noble family heraldry.
The blade seemed European made if I recall, and of this heavy deep bellied yataghan shape.

All best regards,
Jim

libra · 24th July 2010, 09:31 AM

Thank you all for your comments!
Here some photos from near distance of the blade and the handle!
I believe that the handle is Balkan in opposition with the scabbard whoever it shows European!

24th July 2010, 09:31 AM	#7
libra Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GREECE Patras Posts: 40	Thank you all for your comments! Here some photos from near distance of the blade and the handle! I believe that the handle is Balkan in opposition with the scabbard whoever it shows European! Attached Images

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23rd July 2010, 10:16 PM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,666	Gorgeous yataghan, thanks for posting. Those large bellied blades seem to be generally earlier, based on examples in Vienna and Venice museums, all described as trophies from the wars with the Ottomans. This might be the case here - an Ottoman blade, captured and later given an new scabbard with European fittings. Regards, Teodor

23rd July 2010, 10:51 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Pay attention to the rings: it was hanging, not stuck under the belt.

24th July 2010, 01:39 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Elgood's book on Balkan weapons ( pp.150-151) shows yataghans with karabela or kilij handles, crossguards and suspension rings: they all belonged to personalities in the Greek Navy.

24th July 2010, 01:43 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	Outstanding blade profile; beautiful curves ! Similar profile can be seen in Gerome's painting Heads Of The Rebel Beys .