Antique
Jambiya dagger in leather sheath, Yemen, 1750-1900 AD
Description: Jambiya dagger with a short curved blade and a medial ridge.
Fine decorated scabbard with metal (silver?) bands and stippled metal finial.
Well known for their significant cultural symbol of heritage, honor, and status, particularly for men in Yemen,
where it is traditionally worn as an accessory to their clothing.
The double edged blade of the jambiya is constructed of steel that in some cases is Damascus or wootz steel.
The blade is stored in a sheath known as 'Asib
(Arabic: العسيب), usually made of wood covered with metal, leather or cloth.
Length
in scabbard: 14 + 8 inches = 34 cm + 20 cm (because of the curve);
Blade
length: 8.5 inches = 21 cm;
Total weight of dagger in scabbard: 1 lb. 0.5 oz. = 469 g;
Weight of dagger: 6.2 oz., = 176 g;
Blade:
pretty sharp Damascus steel, but not like a blade, attracted to the magnet;
Handle:
wood or bone with 2 copper pins and plates;
Scabbard: leather decorated with white metal, possibly silver (not attracted to magnet).
Silver
is not magnetic, not even with the strongest magnet. However,
silver is diamagnetic.
Condition Report: The blade and handle are in perfect condition.
There is a dent to metal tip of scabbard, patina and wear commensurate with age and use.
The leather of
the scabbard is really old, leather attachment to the belt does not function
any more.
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