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Syrian Khanjar
Majdal Shams, French Mandate of Syria (Majdal Shams, Israel)
First half 20th century (ca. 1920 - 1945)
Steel, horn, bone, brass, nacre, wood
Blade: 13,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 25,7cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 27cm
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 1

Purchased from Armoury Antiques Marketplace: Newport, Rhode Island, USA (2016)

A khanjar from Majdal Shams (Tower of the Sun) Syria during the French Mandate period. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful patterned mosaic inlays. The curved, double- edged steel blade has a slightly raised center. On each side of the blade, there are three panels of lightly engraved untranslated Arabic inscriptions (often portraying Islamic poems).

The hilt is composed in layered segments of goat horn, bone, and brass. Spiraled horn central grip. The hilt decorated with insets of red coral, nacre, and brass strips and nails. Ending in a brass pommel. Wooden sheath covered in brass, decorated with linear and stippled designs. On the reverse, the Hebrew name "Lathaniel" is engraved. An old and complete traditional Syrian Khanjar. Loss to one coral strip on the hilt. Minor insect damage to horn. This knife was purchased while antique hunting from the Armoury Antiques Marketplace that was housed in the 1890s historic Newport Armory, Newport Rhode Island in 2016.

[1] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8837 (Sold $245)

[2] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=2997

[3] https://oriental-arms.com/product/very-good-syrian-khanjar-magdali-dagger/ (Sold $375 March 2022)