Yataghan (sword)

Datedated 1805-1806, blade probably 1700s

Mediumsteel, gold inlay, gilding, tin alloy and niello (darkened silver alloy)

Dimensions79.1 × 64.8 cm (31 1/8 × 25 1/2 in.), 1 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsThere is what appears to be a stamped, circular maker's mark on the reverse, at just above mid-length; see digital file.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.320

DescriptionSingle-edged, hollow-ground blade. Obverse has gold inlaid 6-pointed star toward hilt; toward tip is a gold-inlaid rectangular cartouche with leaf designs above & below; both are filled with Arabic script. Between them is a floral spray chiseled but not inlaid, with a circular cartouche with date 1220 (Islamic calendar). Reverse has similar inlaid rectangular cartouche filled with Arabic script toward tip, and a chiselled cartouche with inscription toward hilt, without inlay. Inside the ungilded cartouche is a stamped mark.

Niello & silvered hilt with small "ears" & traces of gilding. Silver niello reinforcing plate down back & side of blade for approximately 1/8 of total blade length. Arabic script on back edge of reinforcing plate.

Knife-like steel blade of wedge-shaped section with full-length flat back to the point. The blade curves in slightly at mid-length, gently recurving down to the top. The faces are slightly hollow-ground for about 3/4 of the length from the hilt.

This is constructed from a number of soldered silver pieces as a straight grip that terminates in a set of small, curved "ears". The silver sheathing, which extends down onto the upper part of the back of the blade, is decorated with niello work in a primary motif of voluted foliate tendrils within a framing of sawteeth and thin lines. The sheathing on the back edge bears Turkish text in Arabic script.

The blade faces are decorated over much of their length with chased floral and foliate motifs, inscribed cartouches, and koftgari gold work of intricate cartouches and a Star of David device. The script has not yet been read satisfactorily, but individual references to "Allah", "Ali" and what may be the motto, "On guard" have been identified.
Label TextThis yataghan is dated 1220 (1805-6 C.E.) in the plain chiseled circle between the gold-inlaid decorations on the blade. There are two distinct decorative styles, suggesting that the chiseled date was added to an earlier blade. The current hilt may have been fitted at the same time. Updating old blades with more fashionable modern hilts is a common practice in the history of the sword: it is equally a feature of Islamic, European, and East Asian swordmaking.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum at the Morosini sale #3986 at the American Art Association (NYC), October 10-15, 1932, lot #16. Paid $6 for lot which included HAM# 1839.1,2 and 3. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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