Very Fine Imperial Kindjal Dagger, Dagestan

Dagestan is situated on the southern border of Russia, in the Caucasus mountains. The area is rich in silver which was mined since early Greek times, hence the art of silversmith was developed and perfected in Dagestan, especially in the small settlement of Kubachi. The region is famous for its silver work, specifically in the art of producing and decorating arms and armor which was traded all over the region.

The Kindjal offered here is a very fine example for silver and niello work. Probably made in Kubachi, very early 20C. Classical blade with a deep central fuller and two shallow side fullers. The fullers are very elegantly and perfectly performed etched. Heavy silver handle and scabbard. Front face richly decorated with deeply chiseled in delicate floral design. The back face is niello decorated with human figures -soldiers and others. The Imperial Russian double headed eagle is nielloed at the top back side of the handle. All silver parts are proofmarked for Russian silver 84

Blade 14 inches long. Total length 20 inches. Perfect, next  to mint condition.  Outstanding workmanship in silver

The style of decoration and the nielloed double headed Imperial eagle suggest that this Kindjal was made for a high ranking officer of the Russian Imperial army

Price: On request