Wootz Jambiya

RSWORD · 12th January 2018, 02:06 AM

Nothing new about this piece. The blade is definitely wootz. The spots where the pattern is gone is where the edges were probably heat treated and not perfectly controlled causing the pattern to burn out. The contrast and depth of pattern rules out any artificial method. The scabbard shows extensive wear on the side worn against the body and the fabric exhibits a good bit of fading. I would call the hilt style Indo-Arab, maybe Hyderabad, with a funky replaced side. The ivory has a nice mellow patina and is old. The white metal mounts were probably a late 19th to early 20th century “fix” for a missing grip slab. Whether done in its working life or in a late 19th, early 20th century bazaar is anyone’s guess.

ariel · 12th January 2018, 04:07 AM

Agree about the blade: first class!
Also agree on the metal repair of the handle.

The scabbard is obviously not original: too poor for the dagger. But it is this jambiya’s fourth or fifths one.

Overall, very good and old piece with many attempts to preserve it for actual use.

Kubur · 12th January 2018, 11:27 AM

never too late to learn!
I was really convinced that this blade was too good to be true...

Ian · 12th January 2018, 05:21 PM

Bryce,

Seems as though you have an excellent older piece here. Congratulations!

Ian

12th January 2018, 02:06 AM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,086	Nothing new about this piece. The blade is definitely wootz. The spots where the pattern is gone is where the edges were probably heat treated and not perfectly controlled causing the pattern to burn out. The contrast and depth of pattern rules out any artificial method. The scabbard shows extensive wear on the side worn against the body and the fabric exhibits a good bit of fading. I would call the hilt style Indo-Arab, maybe Hyderabad, with a funky replaced side. The ivory has a nice mellow patina and is old. The white metal mounts were probably a late 19th to early 20th century “fix” for a missing grip slab. Whether done in its working life or in a late 19th, early 20th century bazaar is anyone’s guess.

12th January 2018, 04:07 AM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Agree about the blade: first class! Also agree on the metal repair of the handle. The scabbard is obviously not original: too poor for the dagger. But it is this jambiya’s fourth or fifths one. Overall, very good and old piece with many attempts to preserve it for actual use.

12th January 2018, 11:27 AM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	never too late to learn! I was really convinced that this blade was too good to be true...

12th January 2018, 05:21 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Bryce, Seems as though you have an excellent older piece here. Congratulations! Ian