Original 18th Century North African Arabian Jambiya Dagger with Scabbard
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very old and attractive North African or Arabian jambiya-style dagger dating to approximately the mid-to-late 19th century. Jambiya, also spelled janbiya, janbia, or jambia, is an Arabic term commonly applied to traditional daggers characterized by distinctive regional forms and ornamentation. Examples are associated with several parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, and adjoining regions, making precise geographic attribution difficult without firm provenance.
This example measures approximately 16 ⅞ inches overall and is fitted with a hand-carved wooden grip terminating in a brass pommel cap. The blade measures approximately 10 ⅞ inches long and is relatively straight rather than strongly curved. It is thin in section and retains traces of old etched decoration beneath substantial oxidation staining and age-related surface darkening. The piece appears untouched and shows the honest wear expected of a dagger of considerable age.
The accompanying scabbard measures approximately 11 ½ inches long and is constructed around a wooden core with surviving leather covering and decorative ornamentation. The leather is now heavily deteriorated, with extensive material loss from age and handling. The brass fitting at the base remains present and retains two suspension rings. Despite the deterioration, enough of the original decorative treatment survives to convey the ornate appearance of the scabbard when complete.
The combination of the carved wooden grip, brass pommel cap, etched blade, surviving suspension hardware, and heavily aged scabbard gives this example a strong untouched appearance. Although the exact place of manufacture cannot be confirmed, its construction and ornamentation are consistent with the broad family of North African and Arabian jambiya-type daggers produced during the 19th century.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 10 7/8"
Overall length: 16 7/8“
Scabbard Length: 11 1/2"
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