Syrian Khanjar
Syrian Khanjar
Druze - Arab
Majdal Shams, Ottoman Syria - Majdal Shams, French Mandate of Syria (Syria)
1902 - 1945
Steel, brass, horn, bone, aluminum, plastic, wood, iron
Blade: 13,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 25,4cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 26cm
Collection Date: 2025
Collection Number: 464
Ex. American Art Market (2025)
A fine khanjar from the town of Majdal Shams in Syria. Dated on the blade 1320, but the hilt is more likely dating to the time of the late French Mandate period near World War II. Syrian knives are known for their intricate and beautiful mosaic inlays.
The curved, double- edged steel blade having a medial ridge tapering to a point. A double fuller is present for approximately half of the blade's length, decorated in linear motifs and red and green colored plastic inlays. On the front side of the blade with the Arabic inscription, "Majdal Shams," or the “Tower of the Sun,” the city of manufacture known for producing these type of knives, which are also known as "Majdali daggers" by collectors. "Malik Al Mulk" in Arabic script is stippled near the point, possibly the maker or owner. On the reverse side is a date engraved "1320" Hijri translating to 1902 Gregorian. Stippled Arabic script near the point, "La Fata Illa Ali (There is no hero except Ali".
The hilt is composed from layered segments of brass, goat horn, bone, and aluminum spacers. Decorated with inlays of nacre, bone, brass strips and nails, and colored plastic insets. The brass pommel is engraved, possibly of a stylized cross. The sheath interior of wood covered in brass sheet heavily stippled in traditional Levant style, plain on the reverse. Attached are two iron suspension rings.
A fine khanjar of great quality and craftsmanship in traditional Syrian construction. Complete with the date, signature, and city origin engraved. The blade is dated 1320 (1902) and was likely mounted to the hilt during the 1940s as the aluminum spacers and plastic inlays were commonly used during that time period.
[1] https://oriental-arms.com/product/very-good-syrian-khanjar-magdali-dagger/
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8831
[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8837
[4] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5499