Caucasus (Dagestan / Kubachi), c.1850–1880, Kindjal (Kinjal) Dagger with Multi-Fullered Blade and Bladesmith’s Cartouche, Ornate Mounted Scabbard

*Caucasus (Dagestan / Kubachi), c.1850–1880, Kindjal (Kinjal) Dagger with Multi-Fullered Blade and Bladesmith’s Cartouche, Ornate Mounted Scabbard*

A handsome 19th-century Caucasian kindjal (kinjal) dagger retaining its original scabbard and displaying the classic form associated with the Dagestan centres of Kubachi and Amuzgi, long renowned for their production of fine edged weapons.

The dagger has a broad double-edged steel blade of traditional kindjal profile, with a reinforced spear point and multiple long fullers running along the blade, which fade naturally toward the tip in the usual manner seen on hand-forged Caucasian blades. The blade surface retains its original working finish with scattered areas of age patina and light pitting consistent with genuine 19th-century manufacture.

On one face of the blade is struck a small bladesmith’s cartouche in the form of a stylised fish leaf-shaped mark, containing what appears to be Arabic-style script. Marks of this form are characteristic of blades produced in the Dagestan workshops of Amuzgi and Kubachi, where individual smiths frequently stamped their work with distinctive cartouches rather than formal arsenal marks.

The hilt is of the classic Caucasian form with horn grip scales secured by large domed rivets, terminating in the characteristic rounded pommel plate. The grip shows the natural wear and shrinkage associated with age, giving the piece an attractive untouched appearance.

The dagger is housed in its original leather-covered wooden scabbard, fitted with decorative metal mounts. The throat mount is particularly well executed, featuring finely chased scrolling floral decoration in the Kubachi style, while the scabbard retains its suspension band and decorative chape.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 45.8 cm. Overall length: 59.5 cm.

History Note:
The kindjal (or kinjal) was the characteristic dagger of the peoples of the Caucasus, widely carried throughout regions such as Dagestan, Georgia, Armenia, and Circassia during the 18th and 19th centuries. It served both as a practical sidearm and as an important element of traditional dress.

During the 19th century, the villages of Kubachi and nearby Amuzgi in Dagestan were among the most famous weapon-making centres of the Caucasus. Amuzgi was particularly renowned for its bladesmiths, while Kubachi craftsmen specialised in the elaborate metalwork and decorative mounts that adorned many daggers and sabres of the region.

Daggers from these centres were highly prized and widely traded throughout the Russian Empire and the Ottoman frontier regions. Many blades bear small cartouche-style maker’s marks in Arabic script, identifying the workshop or smith responsible for their manufacture.

Because production was carried out by individual craftsmen rather than large arsenals, exact attribution of individual marks is often difficult, but the form and placement of the cartouche seen here are entirely consistent with known Dagestan examples of the mid-19th century.

*Condition*
The dagger remains in honest antique condition. The blade shows areas of age-related patina and scattered pitting but retains its original form and clear fuller definition. The bladesmith’s cartouche remains visible. The horn grip scales display age cracks and shrinkage typical of period material but remain secure with their original rivets. The scabbard retains its original leather covering, which shows wear, surface losses and splitting along the seam, exposing parts of the wooden core in places. The decorative metal mounts remain present with attractive age patina. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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