Kindjal, filigreed sheath.

[rockelk]

Given the comments and direction, I pondered / reflected, then went back to ebay and found in excess 200 “ kindjals”. Most (150+) are the obvious flat bladed three parallel fullers, with and without the “3”. Those souvenir knives range from six for $50 to $350 ea. plus shipping. Nowhere else than on e-bay can the phrase “Caveat emptor “be more true.

Among those I found of interest are two that have no marks but posse the linear forging grain structure. Two are the Russian ZOF style, pre 1914. Five or so have maker’s marks (stars, Zia mark and a few various other stamps. But I can find no reference depicting the various hallmarks that would validate / imply the article as a valid antique. Pleading ignorance, I would appreciate comments, as to, how to begin identifying valid antiques. With Regards, rm