Indo-Persian Pesh Kabz Dagger

[Ian]

Originally Posted by KeithJ

An Indo-Persian Pesh Kabz dagger, with a jade and mother-of pearl handle. The grain on the blade is etched to simulate Damascus steel (Faux Wootz). Circa 1900-1920, probably from the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.

Hi Keith:

Yes, you're right that these are from the late 19th-early 20th Century. As far as I know, most (if not all) were made in northern India specifically for European visitors. These were common mementos for British travelers to take home from the pride of the British Empire.

I have several and they come in various shapes and sizes, mostly 7-12 inches in length. They are well made and well finished small- to medium-sized, attractive looking knives and in the last ten years their perceived value has gone up considerably.

They typically come in rather plain leather sheaths that have often been lost.

Ian.