Jambiya
Jambiya
Arab
Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia - Hyderabad India
First half of the 20th century
Steel, white metal, silver filigree, wood, turquoise
Blade: 17,8cm
Hilt & Blade: 28,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 30,8cm
Collection Date: 2025
Collection Number: 484
Ex. Spes Bona Antiques: St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (2025)
Jambiya in the Arab style of Asir, Saudi Arabia, although the knife may have been made for the Arabian Market, possibly in Hyderabad, India, from the non-traditional style sheath.
The curved steel blade is double- edged with a prominent forged central ridge. The hilt is finely worked white metal silver with extended pommel sides. Decorated in bands of silver filigree, studs, and engravings. Sheath of heavy white metal with worked silver filigree sides. The interior is wood. Decorated in floral motifs with a series of six turquoise stones set on the front side. A quality made jambiya in attractive turquois and silver mounts. Heavy weight to this example.
[1] https://www.spesbona-arms.com/product-page/silver-clad-jambiya
[2] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/32370
[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4354
[4] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=7360