Engraved Silver Jambiya inlaid with Carved Coral and Turquoise, Northern Coast, Turkey, mid-19th century

Engraved Silver Jambiya inlaid with Carved Coral and Turquoise

This jambiya dagger is from the Black Sea Coast, probably Trabzon, of northern Turkey.

The hilt and scabbard are encased in gilded (gold-plated) silver. The front of the hilt and scabbard has been inset with dozens of carved coral cabochons and turquoise cabochons, and further decorated with small applied filigree spirals.

The back of the hilt and scabbard has been chased extensively with flowers and leaves.

The blade double-edged steel blade is curved, cut with a single fuller, and damascened on both sides including with panels of inscriptions.

The

jambiya is in fine condition. The age is clear. Some of the stones are likely to be replacements. The gilding has darkened, and there is light, superficial surface denting to the silver cladding to the back of the scabbard.