Syrian Khanjar
Majdal Shams, French Mandate of Syria (Syria)
1944
Steel, brass, horn, bone, aluminum, plastic, wood, iron
Blade: 13,3cm
Hilt & Blade: 23,5cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 24,8cm
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 4

Ex. Harry Wagner Collection: Columbus, Ohio, USA (2016)

A fine khanjar from Syria during the time of the late French Mandate period and near the end of World War II. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful mosaic inlays.

The curved, double- edged steel blade presents two central fullers that transition into the point. Engraved are a series of scroll motifs with colored plastic circular insets. On the front side of the blade are Arabic inscriptions. Top, translating to "Work of Amjad." The lower part engraved,"Majdal Shams," the city of manufacture known for producing these type of knives which are also known as "Majdali daggers" by collectors.

The hilt is composed from layered segments of brass, goat horn, bone, and aluminum sections. Decorated with inlays of bone, brass and aluminum strips, and colored plastic insets. The brass pommel is engraved in Arabic, "Sana" (Year) " 1944." The sheath interior of wood covered in brass sheet with stippled floral designs. Leather throat, which is an uncommon feature. Brass belt loop on the reverse side. Attached are two iron suspension rings. Repairs to the front side of the sheath. A fine khanjar of great quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction. Complete with the date, signature, and city origin engraved.

[1] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8837

[2] https://oriental-arms.com/product/very-good-syrian-khanjar-magdali-dagger/