Tribal Bedouin Gusbi Jambiya Dagger from Hadhramaut

Gusbi is the name wrongly common between collectors to describe the Jambiya daggers with high rising scabbard tip coming from theHadhramout region. It is actually limited to specific form of daggers with bulbous pommel made from R horn and scabbard decorated with red stones (usually carnelian ) or red glass pieces. The red stones / glass supposedly ensure good health to the bearer of the Jambiya. This type of daggers are made in Habban  and Al’bayda regions of Hadhramouth.

The Gusbi Jambiya offered here is of classical form. Very well made and solid blade with a central rib. R Horn handle  with bulbous pommel set with silver plaques and rondels. The U shaped scabbard is covered with leather and mounted with silver plate set with 9 round glass pieces (one cracked), and high rising tail also set with oval  glass piece.

Blade  8 inches long. Total length 12 1/2  inches. Very good condition. Original leather cover. Small forge  flaw on the blade. Losses to the silver cover on the back of the handle. Minor dents to the silver tip of the scabbard.

For a similar Gusbi  Jambiya see: Stephen Gracie ” Jambiya Daggers from the Ancient Souqs of Yemen” page 142