Somewhat Unusual Omani Khanjar for Comment

[TVV]

Originally Posted by ariel

Wasn't it in Elgood's book that Bukharan masters worked around Arabia ( mostly in the vicinity of Persian Gulf ? ) and some weapons reflect their influence?

That would make a lot of sense. I need to read Elgood's book on Arabia more carefully. I actually need to read all Elgood's books more carefully, but there is so much information there that if I were to get quizzed on it, I would certainly fail.

Vaarok, thank you for a very pleasant and easy transaction. The amount you netted from the item probably did not cover your gas, but if it is of any consolation, I like it a lot.

I still have not decided on rstoration. I might replace the missing "turquoises" because it is something, which is easily reversible in case someone else does not like the idea of having non-original stones added to the scabbard.

Regards,
Teodor

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Very interesting pictures , very clear photos... I expect they cleaned up nicely. In Oman they use a brass wire brush to take off the silver oxide.. I find toothpaste works wonders too. Hmm... On the right I reckon Indian but certainly not Omani. I can hardly believe the hilt is Ziraff(Rhino) I would have expected to see some translucence in the edges but it looks like bull horn or possibly wood. Normally Rhino would be the choice on a stunning and very tasty weapon... perhaps its a lesser horn... but I might be wrong!
The laft dagger is Omani but... look at the dagger as I think its a missmatch as the silver pattern isnt the same and the base of the dagger looks slightly too narrow ... It would not be unusual by the way as many a dagger is switched to a different scabbard .. Its almost a national sport! Ive seen a few brass or possibly gilded wire stitchings below the belt section but only probably 2 or 3 in 30 years of collecting Khanjars here... Usually its silver wire. I would say its from the Oman Coast as its a "fully stitched" below the belt "4 ringer". Great pictures and thanks for displaying ... I have a new camera and must add some myself...

[TVV]

Very good observations Ibrahiim, thank you! Looking forward to pictures of your khanjars - I can certainly learn a lot from you.

Regards,
Teodor

[Lew]

The hilt definately looks like wood to me. Still an interesting piece.

[TVV]

I would not have thought that the hilt would be the most discussed feature of this khanjar. Hopefully the picture below would help provide an answer.

I do believe the hilt material exhibits the characteristics of rhinoceros horn, but whatever the case, it is still a damaged hilt.

[Lew]

Ok it's rhino

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Yep Thats Rhino ... Theres the translucent edges !! The Omanis consider various things when sussing out their Khanjars.. The first is the Hilt. So Hilt is vital ! To the collector Rhino horn hilts is like owning a Rolls Royce... very sad because of the rhino demise . I have about 30 of these weapons and Im carefull not to select Rhino or Elephant. The great test for a Khanjar dagger by the way is to try to pick it up by the point with the thumb and first two fingers. It should be impossible with a proper, full on, top quality dagger.