Yataghan

Turkey or Balkan Peninsula, second half of 19th century

Bone hilt with hammered and gilt copper mounts inlaid with coral. The steel blade bears an inscription decorated with silver.

L: 67 cm

Markings: Date 1292 anno Hegirae (i.e., 1875–1876) and workmaster’s mark stamped on the blade.

UMP 4635

Typical for the Ottoman Empire period, yataghans are short, single-blade swords which were primarily used in the area around Turkey and on the Balkan Peninsula between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.