+Turkish Arab 1820 Damascene Dagger With Sheath In Forged Steel And 24kt Gold

Damascene forged steel dagger with sheath.

Beautiful dagger (Jambiya) from the Ottoman empire, of Turkish / Arab origin, circa early 1800's. Created with forged Damascus wootz steel and damascene of 24 carats yellow gold. It is composed by three parts; the handle in the shape of a Mesopotamian lion, the slender curved steel blade and the scabbard. The scabbard is inscribed in gold damascene with suspension loop and the Arabic text "Allah Is Great". The blade and the pommel are also worked in damascene and inscribed with a tughra in one side. The blade is very special, made from precious black wootz steel, also known as kara taban, with great contrast and remains of the watered pattern throughout the entire blade.

Like swords and daggers in most cultures, the Islamic dagger were worn as both, weapons and status symbols. The man for whom this splendid sword was made must undoubtedly have been a somewhat important figure in the Ottoman society since he had a sword of such high quality and very expensive at the time. This is a stunning museum-quality Islamic Ottoman dagger, a real artwork, and an important example of Muslim goldsmith and swordsmiths art.

Weight: Grams.

Measurements: 495 mm by 75 mm (19.5 x 2.95 Inches).

Hallmarks: No maker's marks, unidentified symbol stamped in the blade.

Note: Wootz steel contains greater carbonaceous matter than common qualities of cast steel. The distinct patterns of Wootz steel that can be made through forging are wave, ladder, and rose patterns with finely spaced bonds. However, with hammering, dyeing, and etching further customized patterns were made.

Note: jambiya, also spelled janbiya, jambya, jambia and janbia (Arabic: جنبية janbīyyah), also known as a shibriyeh (Arabic: شبرية shibriyyah) in the Levant, is a specific type of dagger with a short curved blade with a medial ridge that originated from the Hadhramaut region of Yemen. They have spread all over the Middle East and the Arab world in general like Somalia and other parts of Asia too such as South Asia and Southeast Asia.Men typically above the age of 14 wear it as an accessory to their clothing.

Condition: The overall condition of this dagger is excellent. Beside the normal wear, there is no damage to the steel or gold. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D020823MANM/.3321