Ottoman Khanjar
Turkish / Kurd / Arab / Armenian / Persian
Ottoman Empire (Eastern Turkey - Northern Iraq - Western Armenia) - Kurdistan - 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

Ex. American Art Market (2021)

A large Ottoman khanjar from the overlapping areas of the Ottoman and Persian Empires near Kurdistan. Usually, by collectors, this style of hooked hilt is recognized as Balkan, more specifically as "Albanian." 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. Similiar examples are attributed to Northern Iraq and the Baghdad region. Many of the type had issuance to Balkan mercenaries that were and by large Albanian and Montenegrin.

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)

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

[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.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31848

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[14] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4466

[15] https://www.helgot.com/items/albanian-jambiya (Sold Unknown price and date)

[16] https://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s2229_full.html

[17] https://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s1961_full.html

[18] https://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s957_full.html

[19] http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25741

[20] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/an-albanian-khanjar-dagger-277-c-94a4f23974?objectID=120166551&algIndex=undefined&queryID=2e5a5bbb0f891c98bbbe16a946ad8e58

[21] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/19th-century-persian-bone-silver-janbiya-short-sw-257-c-36e425ab6a

[22] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-rare-albanian-khanjar-dagger-310-c-d854815a8e?objectID=161438899&algIndex=undefined&queryID=2e5a5bbb0f891c98bbbe16a946ad8e58

[23] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/ottoman-solid-silver-albanian-jambiya-dagger-19-c-255-c-83148ab998?objectID=136534244&algIndex=undefined&queryID=e35e4d958158133378351b89ba5e48c4

[24] https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/an-albanian-khanjar-dagger-209-c-6254f8992a?objectID=120166483&algIndex=undefined&queryID=e35e4d958158133378351b89ba5e48c4