Yataghan for translation and comment

[Miguel]

Hi Marius,

Sorry for late reply but have had severe computer problems and system will not accept replies from iPad.

Cant help with translation but would like to congratulate you on owning such a beautiful piece, wonderful. I think it may be Turkish. I read somewhere that the warriors threw away their yagtahan scabbards when they went into battle, collecting them later if they were victorious, I don't think that they would throw this scabbard away which leads me to think that it is a status or dress item but whatever it is a really beautiful piece.
Regards
Miguel

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi Marius,

Sorry for late reply but have had severe computer problems and system will not accept replies from iPad.

Cant help with translation but would like to congratulate you on owning such a beautiful piece, wonderful. I think it may be Turkish. I read somewhere that the warriors threw away their yagtahan scabbards when they went into battle, collecting them later if they were victorious, I don't think that they would throw this scabbard away which leads me to think that it is a status or dress item but whatever it is a really beautiful piece.
Regards
Miguel

Thank you for your appreciation... but I will redirect it towards the master swordsmith who made such a masterpiece!

[Miguel]

Well said Marius. Iwas wondering if you have had a chance to research the Yataghan in your new book and if so have you found if it is Balkan or not?
Regards
Miguel

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Well said Marius. Iwas wondering if you have had a chance to research the Yataghan in your new book and if so have you found if it is Balkan or not?
Regards
Miguel

Hello Miguel,

Based on comparisons with some pieces in Elgood's book, it may be from Crete. However, I am not sure about that because of other distinctive characteristics. Moreover, I am not sure that Elgood's geographical attribution can be considered for reference as it appears to be based more on anectodal evidence.

To me is quite clear that styles and crafts traveled throughout the Ottoman empire and it may be impossible to accurately locate a point of origin.

[eftihis]

Well, certainly it is not from Crete, and i do not think is from any other Greek place either.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by eftihis

Well, certainly it is not from Crete, and i do not think is from any other Greek place either.

Quite possible! That was my first impression too, but then after looking into Elgood's book, I thought that maybe Crete.

Thank you very much for your suggestion!

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Hello Miguel,

Based on comparisons with some pieces in Elgood's book, it may be from Crete. However, I am not sure about that because of other distinctive characteristics. Moreover, I am not sure that Elgood's geographical attribution can be considered for reference as it appears to be based more on anectodal evidence.

To me is quite clear that styles and crafts traveled throughout the Ottoman empire and it may be impossible to accurately locate a point of origin.

Hello Marius,

I think you may be right which is frustrating at times but is all part of the enjoyment of the researching process I have just ordered the book as I have always been satisfied with the quality of Elgood`s research and hope I am not disappointed as I have noted some criticisms with this book which is something I have not seen about his previous works. At any rate they have not put me off and I look forward to receiving it. I still think that your Yataghan may be Turkish
Regards
Miguel

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hello Marius,

I still think that your Yataghan may be Turkish

Regards
Miguel

Thank you very much for your oppinion! That was my first thought too.

Well, have a look at Elgood's book and let me know what you think afterwards!

Have a nice weekend!

[Miguel]

Will gladly offer my opinion when I have received and had a chance to study its content, Hope to receive later this week.
Till then
Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Thank you very much for your oppinion! That was my first thought too.

Well, have a look at Elgood's book and let me know what you think afterwards!

Have a nice weekend!

Hi Marius, sorry for the delayed reply my book got lost but now I have it and looked at the Cretan Yataghans I see why you thought it may be from there as there are similarities, I really don't know what to think. It still feels Turkish to me but I think your earlier comment about possibly never being able to establish the true origin may prove to be correct. It is a pity that no one has been able to offer a translation it is such a splendid piece.
Regards
Miguel