Syrian Khanjar
Syrian Khanjar
Arab - Druze
Possibly Damascus, Syrian Republic (Syria)
1952
Steel, plastic, wood, (horn?), brass, bone, iron
Blade: 12,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 24,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 25,1cm
Collection Date: 2018
Collection Number: 48
Ex. American Art Market (2018)
A very fine Syrian khanjar dated to the year 1952. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful mosaic inlaid patterns. The curved, double- edged steel blade has two central fullers flanked by two exterior fullers. In the center of the blade are four plastic red and green circular inlays. The entirety of the blade is finely engraved with linear and floral motifs. On the reverse side is Arabic script, "There is no hero like Ali; There is no sword like Zulfiqar."
The hilt is composed of wood or a very dark horn with a brass ferrule, spacers, and pommel cap. Decorated in a complex pattern of brass plaques, strips, and nails. Inlaid with geometric pieces of bone and blue and green plastic inserts. On the reverse side of the hilt, engraved in the ferrule in Arabic, "Sana (Year) 1952." A brass plaque on the central grip is engraved the same in Arabic, "Sana (Year) 1952." The brass pommel is finely engraved with extensive floral work and a checkered pattern complimenting the rest of the knife. Engraved on the side of the pommel in Arabic, "Work of Ali Hussain."
The sheath is of a wooden interior covered in brass sheet, chased with circle-dot, linear, and geometric designs. The rear side, plain, but having an untranslated Arabic script that is lightly scratched into the brass, is likely the owner’s name. Attached are two iron suspension rings.
A very fine khanjar of great quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction. Complete with the date, signature of maker, and religious phrasing. Most examples span from the early 20th century to the end of the French Mandate period with a decrease in craftsmanship quality thereafter. This example is surely an outlier to the decreasing quality after WWII. As produced in 1952, this knife is very well crafted, having meticulous attention to detail, and having a quite heavy weight for the type. A very fine Syrian khanjar.
[1] https://oriental-arms.com/product/very-good-syrian-khanjar-magdali-dagger/
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8211