Khanjar from Afghanistan

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 28th June 2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahratt

Collleagues,
I recently bought this khanjar from Oriental-Arms.

http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=3709

The description states that it is most likely Afghani, based on the style of decorations. It also refers to Moser's catalogue where a similar one is identified as Afghani.
Unfortunately, neither Mr. Yarom nor myself have an access to that book.
Does anyone here on the Forum have this book? If yes, can you please scan the picture and the text with the Afghani attribution.

Thanks.

Salaams, It looks like an Indo Afghan or Indo Persian variant. The blade seems to deserve a far better hilt possibly a gem decorated jade hilt. So whatever its birth c ertificate turns out as... its a nice blade. I note the seller has used some pretty vague and artistic licence in describing the weapon but thats life.. Its not Baluchi but I dont think its exactly Afghan either.. Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Oriental-Arms · 28th June 2011, 02:31 PM

Gentlemen
So much being said that I take the liberty to react.
1) This Khanjar was purchased in the 70th when I was a young (and inexperienced )collector, from a well known London dealer who is regarded a top authority in the field of Ethnographic arms and armor. He suggested the Afghan attribution and showed me a drawing of a similar dagger in Moser catalog (unfortunately I do not remember which one it was)
2) The similarity to Arab Khanjars is clear and also mentioned in the description, however the blade is of far higher quality than those we find on Arab Khanjars. I had two other similar daggers, of similar shapes and sizes, also with a quality watered steel blades (see below). I trust the blades are of Persian origin but the mounts are definitely not Persian nor Indian. I have never seen more of these but I have handled hundreds of Arab Khanjars and never seen one with a blade of this quality. Not being Arab or Persian or Indian, the Suggested Afghan attribution can’t be excluded.
3) I am sorry gentlemen that I could not find a copy of Moser catalog (neither the 1955 or the 1912) and I miss it greatly. Jens, may be you are willing to sell me your copy ?? It will be greatly appreciated.
4) Most important: I may be mistaken. While learning the subject during so many years I made many mistakes and I will probably make more in the future.

Kurt · 29th June 2011, 05:07 PM

Hi ,
In the exhibition, David's Sammling1982 is this dagger(Nr.58) as Jambiya-Arabia-19th century described.
Regards
Kurt

Kurt · 29th June 2011, 05:16 PM

Here is a copy of the catalog

Kurt · 30th June 2011, 09:13 AM

there was a similar one at Hermann Historica,commented as a Khanjar from Kashmir.
Best Kurt

Tatyana Dianova · 30th June 2011, 11:15 AM

Kurt: a great research!
I think that the Kashmir attribution is more probable. Please take a look at the Kashmir metalwork examples attached. Also the rings on the scabbard are identical to the Pan-Indian design used in earrings and thin bangles (you may find a very similar modern examples that originate from Nepal, India or Bali)

Tatyana Dianova · 30th June 2011, 11:19 AM

I'd like to add the pictures of the dagger in question for the future reference:

28th June 2011, 02:31 PM	#2
Oriental-Arms Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Haifa, Israel Posts: 183	Gentlemen So much being said that I take the liberty to react. 1) This Khanjar was purchased in the 70th when I was a young (and inexperienced )collector, from a well known London dealer who is regarded a top authority in the field of Ethnographic arms and armor. He suggested the Afghan attribution and showed me a drawing of a similar dagger in Moser catalog (unfortunately I do not remember which one it was) 2) The similarity to Arab Khanjars is clear and also mentioned in the description, however the blade is of far higher quality than those we find on Arab Khanjars. I had two other similar daggers, of similar shapes and sizes, also with a quality watered steel blades (see below). I trust the blades are of Persian origin but the mounts are definitely not Persian nor Indian. I have never seen more of these but I have handled hundreds of Arab Khanjars and never seen one with a blade of this quality. Not being Arab or Persian or Indian, the Suggested Afghan attribution can’t be excluded. 3) I am sorry gentlemen that I could not find a copy of Moser catalog (neither the 1955 or the 1912) and I miss it greatly. Jens, may be you are willing to sell me your copy ?? It will be greatly appreciated. 4) Most important: I may be mistaken. While learning the subject during so many years I made many mistakes and I will probably make more in the future. Attached Images Last edited by Oriental-Arms; 28th June 2011 at 02:49 PM.

29th June 2011, 05:07 PM	#3
Kurt Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 197	Afghan dagger ??? Hi , In the exhibition, David's Sammling1982 is this dagger(Nr.58) as Jambiya-Arabia-19th century described. Regards Kurt

29th June 2011, 05:16 PM	#4
Kurt Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 197	Afghan dagger ??? Pic Here is a copy of the catalog Attached Images

30th June 2011, 11:15 AM	#6
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 737	Kurt: a great research! I think that the Kashmir attribution is more probable. Please take a look at the Kashmir metalwork examples attached. Also the rings on the scabbard are identical to the Pan-Indian design used in earrings and thin bangles (you may find a very similar modern examples that originate from Nepal, India or Bali) Attached Images

30th June 2011, 11:19 AM	#7
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 737	I'd like to add the pictures of the dagger in question for the future reference: Attached Images