Ottoman Balkan Yataghan
Ottoman Balkan Yataghan
Ottoman Empire / Balkan Region
Ottoman Balkans (Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Dated 1198 (1783/4)
Steel, silver, brass, marine ivory (walrus), wood
Blade: 56,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 71,1cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 74,9cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 369
A Yataghan sword dating to the Ottoman Empire reign originating from the Balkans. The characteristic stying implies that it may have been produced in Montenegro.
The single- edged steel blade has a beautiful watered damascus pattern through it's entirely. On one side, an inscription in true inlaid silver is decorated in floral designs. The bottom reads, "Work of Muhammad; Owner Sahib Zainal Agha 1198". The date corresponding to 1783/4 gregorian. Steel bolster covered in silver overlay with floral motifs, some worn and damaged. Steel back strap with stippled zig- zag patterns.
Marine ivory (walrus) hilt with bovine horn spacers between the back strap. One ear is broken about halfway of its length, the other with a brass decorative plate, likely to secure the connection along the ivory crack lines. An old repair. Wooden sheath covered in black leather attached by brass wire. Brass mouth and chape decorated in stippled zig- zag and floral motifs.
A very old example that despite the condition issues would have been noble in its day, for an Agha. The blade still remains very attractive with vibrant patterns, and the ivory now has a very dark orange hue tone. Complete with its sheath.