Ottoman Kard with Repurposed Yataghan Turkish Ribbon Blade

ALEX · 14th December 2015, 11:02 AM

Mahratt, I had similar thoughts (reply #11 above). You are right of course, there were 300,000 Turkmens living in Syria, most near Turkish border.
As we saw, these kards are often attributed to Persia, Turkmenistan or Afghanistan regions, with Turkmen tribal being closest fit. However, having no bolsters, the distinct blade mounting and Ottoman-like decorations, Syrian Turkmen origin is quite plausible. The metal rings and inlays on the handle are also reminiscent of another Syrian "Majdel Shams" hilts and shamshir hilts produced in Syria during Ottoman period.
Good discussion, thanks to all who responded!

Lee · 14th December 2015, 12:18 PM

Here is another example with the forte of a Persian shamshir being reformed into a kard blade.

ALEX · 14th December 2015, 12:49 PM

Lee, what an awesome kard!
Further shows the re-purposeful nature of this type, with many having blades from other weapons. What strikes me the most is similarity of handle/blade assembly. All have identical mounting technique with similar decoration elements. I am inclined to categorize it as Syrian-Turkmen Kard.
Once again, thanks to all for great contribution into what could be a fascinating discovery.

14th December 2015, 12:18 PM	#2
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 932	Another Example Here is another example with the forte of a Persian shamshir being reformed into a kard blade. Attached Images

14th December 2015, 11:02 AM	#1
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Mahratt, I had similar thoughts (reply #11 above). You are right of course, there were 300,000 Turkmens living in Syria, most near Turkish border. As we saw, these kards are often attributed to Persia, Turkmenistan or Afghanistan regions, with Turkmen tribal being closest fit. However, having no bolsters, the distinct blade mounting and Ottoman-like decorations, Syrian Turkmen origin is quite plausible. The metal rings and inlays on the handle are also reminiscent of another Syrian "Majdel Shams" hilts and shamshir hilts produced in Syria during Ottoman period. Good discussion, thanks to all who responded!

14th December 2015, 12:49 PM	#3
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Lee, what an awesome kard! Further shows the re-purposeful nature of this type, with many having blades from other weapons. What strikes me the most is similarity of handle/blade assembly. All have identical mounting technique with similar decoration elements. I am inclined to categorize it as Syrian-Turkmen Kard. Once again, thanks to all for great contribution into what could be a fascinating discovery.