19th Century Yemeni Mounted Silver-Clad Dagger . 20094. Daggers

This fine jambiya-style dagger known as an ‘asib is from the Bedouin Arabs of Yemen. It has a good patina and ample signs of age. The hilt and sheaf or scabbard are encased entirely in silver. The blade is 22 ½ cm double edged, curved and characteristically weak. The scabbard and hilt on the other hand are elaborate and showy. In essence, this weapon was more for show and ceremony, and functioned as a form of jewellery for men, getting around Koranic injunctions against the wearing of jewellery by mean (weapons, of course, were permissible).The sheaf particularly is decorated with bands of fine, applied silver wire work, granulation work, and silver scrolls. The sheaf has a dramatically extended miniaret-like final or thum which is encased in silver. The sheaf is fitted with two silver loops to allow it to be attached to a belt *one attached and one a little loose but intact*. The blade fits into the scabbard well. The dagger is in fine condition with the inner side of the dagger handle and sheath bearing the brass underlay due to being worn against clothing. Some red decorative paint is still present on the handle. The price includes UK delivery. 20094.