Hi Patrick,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Originating in Yemen, the jambiya is a characteristic form of dagger that is worn throughout the Arab World and wherever Arabian influence has penetrated historically. The word actually means “something worn at one’s right side” but in Yemen, the Arabian peninsula and Iraq, it's worn in front. Blades are usually made from a fine steel that does not seem to corrode or oxidize to form rust but instead, simply takes on a soft gray patina. The use of dark red velvet is a very nice touch. In modern times, these knives are more decorative than purpose-driven but remain critical symbols of masculinity; receiving a jambiya as a gift would have been the ultimate gesture of respect.

This knife / dagger lacks the pronounced "J" form of a traditional jambiya and looks more like an Indo-Persian Khanjar, which was primarily associated with Oman, but also found in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and India. Typically curved, double-edged, sometimes slightly tapering, with a pronounced spine, khanjars usually feature ornate handles made from wood, horn, or ivory, sometimes with silver inlay. In Oman, the hilt may be flared at the top (like a T-shape).

The equine shape of the bone (if this is ivory, there may be restrictions on selling it) handle is an attractive feature.

The numerals engraved appear to be "AH 192", which could be a number of things but the damascened/etched steel pattern and shield-and-crown cartouche suggest a decorative or presentation blade. The numbers are engraved rather than deeply-struck, which is consistent with late Ottoman or Qajar decorative work and suggest this is a 19th or early 20th Century revival or export pieces.

Even as a decorative piece, this has value in the $300-500 range.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique bronze inlaid silver or brass Indo Persian khanjar
19th or early 20th Century
With horse-head form hilt and inset ivory or bone handle, the silver or steel scabbard with brass inlay and velvet lining, the damascened blade with shield-and-crown cartouche inscribed "AH 192".
Overall length: 52 cm (20-1/2 inches)
CONDITION: This appears to be in generally good condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Iraq in 2000
$ 300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia