Syrian Khanjar
Syrian Khanjar
Ottoman Syria - French Mandate of Syria (Syria)
Early 20th century (ca. 1900 - 1925)
Steel, horn, bone, brass, nacre
Blade: 13cm
Hilt & Blade: 24,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2010
Collection Number: 3
Ex. American Art Market (2010)
A fine quality khanjar from Syria during Ottoman rule or early in the French Mandate period. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful mosaic inlays. This example made in the cylindrical hilt style, possibly from the Majdal Shams area.
The curved, double- edged iron blade presents three central fullers that transition into the point. The middle fuller with colored inserts to the middle of the blade, inserts missing on one side. A less common feature is this blade being very dark in color rather than the polished blades normally seen. The hilt is carved from layered segments of brass, goat horn, and bone. Decorated with inserts of dyed bone, nacre, brass strips and nails. Brass pommel plate engraved with swirling designs. Missing its sheath. A fine khanjar of great quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction with an old blade.
[1] https://oriental-arms.com/product/very-good-syrian-khanjar-magdali-dagger/
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5225