Fine and Complete Royal Saidi Khanjar with Al-Kusha side knife, Oman

The Omani Khanjar known as "Saidi" or "Royal" style is the most sought after of all Omani Khanjars and certainly deserves the respect. The tale is that the Persian wife of Sayyid Said bin Sultan was bored with the classical shape of the Omani Khanjar and designed this attractive style as a present to her husband. Hence the "Royal" title. The general "L" shaped scabbard and the twisted wires belt attachment is kept Omani, however the handle and grip, usually silver or rhino horn, are highly decorated with filigree silver panels and inserts.

The exemplar exhibited here has a classical curved and dual edge blade with a central rib. The hilt is R horn set with the classical Saidi silver filigree panels. The 7 rings scabbard is set with silver cover and mounted with filigree silver locket and chape.

Rarely seen is the Al-Kusha knife attached with a small leather scabbard on the back side of the khanjar scabbard. The Al-Kusha is a general purpose knife carried by all men in Oman.  The one offered here employ a very old Sheffield blade, signed and marked. I grips bound with silver wire and a chased silver pommel.

This khanjar comes with its original fabric belt attached to the side rings of the Khanjar with old British and Indian coins.

Blade 7 1/2 inches (19 cm) long. Total length 13 inches (33 cm). Total length og the belt (fully extended) 34 inches (86 cm). Very good condition. Blackened spots on the blade. Belt fabric lightly worn. Complete, authentic and rare Khanjar. First half of the 20 C.

See also: Jehan S. Rajab, "Silver Jewellery of Oman" Fig 51 Page 45

Price: On request