Fine and Very Large Persian Qajar Khanjar Dagger

From the peak of the Qajar period in Persia second half of the 19 C. comes this fine Khanjar dagger.  Classical shape with walrus Ivory grip. The marble like inner sector of the walrus tusk is regarded as most efficient in wound healing, which is the reasons for the extensive use of walrus ivory in swords and daggers handles.

The Khanjar we offer here is a real giant. 24 ½ inches 62 cm long (outside of the scabbard), compared to 12 – 14 inches (30 – 35 cm) long in more common khanjars. A photo below shows it next to a common 13 inches (33 cm) khanjar of the same style and period.

Wide blade with original untouched dark patina, with chiseled snakes on each face of the blade forming wavy fullers. Swollen tip of the blade. The blade is richly decorated with gold inlaid hunting scenes of a hunter charging his bow and lions and tigers attacking rabbits, antelopes and bovines. Similar scenes are inlaid along the edges of the blade.

The handle is carved from a massive piece of walrus tusk 8 ½ inches (23 cm) long, finely carved with human figures, rulers and subordinates.  16 inches (41 cm).

Newly made scabbard with silver locket and I ball tip.

 Blade length 16 1/2 inches (41 cm). Total length 25 ¼ inches (64 cm). Very good condition. More than 95% of the gold inlay remains. Very Unusual khanjar. Second half of the 19 C.