I've liked the look of yataghans for a while now, but never expected to actually come across one in these parts, Australia not really known for its booming sword market. So when I came across this [antique] beauty I had no choice but to pounce on it, and now it's mine, all mine.
Being pretty new to this game, I don't know if it was a good deal at ~475 of your american dollars. Maybe someone can give me an indication...
I tried to haggle with the dealer, to no avail.
The information provided by the dealer was pretty sparse: Turkish, circa 1840, horn hilt, traces of gilt on the blade. As far as I can tell, it's in very good condition: everything's very solid, no significant rust, just a couple of tiny chips in the edge. 165 years old and it still feels like it could lop somebody's head off (after a bit of sharpening).
77cm long, and 2lbs.
All in all a pretty lucky find for a newbie I think (only the second item in my collection [I don't count the windlass thing I bought when I was young and foolish...])
Anyway, here it is:
Attachment: 61.23 KB
View of the hilt from the bottom.
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View of hilt from top.
Attachment: 58.15 KBClose up of some patterns on the blade, like a lattice of scratches. I guess at some stage had metal decorations moulded on there, like the collar. [ Download ]
Attachment: 32.36 KBClose up of the hilt [ Download ]
Attachment: 25.56 KBIn it's entirety. So very graceful. [ Download ]
