Ottoman Khanjar — The Mansfield Collection

Ottoman Khanjar

Ottoman Khanjar
Kurd / Turkic / Arab
Kurdistan - Ottoman Empire (Eastern Turkey - Northern Iraq - Western Armenia) - Russian Armenia (Eastern Armenia) - Caucasus Viceroyalty, Imperial Russia (Azerbaijan) - Qajar Empire (Northern Iran)
Last half 19th century
Steel, walrus ivory, wood, leather, brass
Blade: 28,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 46,4cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 47,6cm
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 223

A large Ottoman khanjar from the overlapping areas of the Ottoman and Persian Empires near Kurdistan. Usually recognized as Balkan, more specifically "Albanian," many examples are certainly attributed to that area through Ottoman control and development throughout the movement of janissary units from Eastern Anatolia. However, their use and production are likely not to be limited to Albania. In my personal opinion, I believe this style of khanjar has its origins in the broad area of Greater Kurdistan (Eastern Turkey, Northern Iraq, Northern Iran, Armenia) from where I believe this specific example was produced in similarity to related pieces.

The crucible steel double-edged curved blade presents a well pronounced medial ridge for the entirely of the blade to the point. The I- shaped "hooked" hilt is carved from a massive chunk of walrus tusk as it slightly curves in its organic form. The sheath is wood with a leather covering, stitched on the rear side in original brass wire. There is some minor pitting and blackening to the blade. The sheath leather is dried and cracked in areas. The hilt has a crack that was previously joined with epoxy from the previous owner. A massive example of good age.

[1] W. O. Oldman, “Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnographic Specimens”, List No. 65; Item No. 33 (1996) (Described Persian)

[2] W. O. Oldman, “Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnographic Specimens”, List No. 119 Vol. x.; Item No. 30 (1996) (Described Baghdad)

[3] Hales, Robert. "Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour". 2013. Page 86: No.196

[4] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31702

[5] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/silver-mounted-ottoman-dagger

[6] https://oriental-arms.com/product/ottoman-albanian-khanjar-dagger/

[7] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=20

[8] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=3610

[9] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=1502

[10] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=3365

[11] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=1125

[12] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5588