Preliminary identification

Indo-Persian Style Jambiya Dagger with Inlaid Horn Hilt, mid-20th Century

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a decorative curved jambiya-style dagger featuring a cast brass scabbard adorned with relief-molded animal and floral motifs, including an elephant. The hilt is constructed from stacked horn or composite spacers, meticulously inlaid with small, colorful circular glass or plastic beads and brass wire accents.

Story

Crafted during the mid-20th century, this dagger represents a fascinating era when traditional Middle Eastern and Indian arms makers adapted their ancient crafts into highly decorative keepsakes for international travelers and military servicemen.

Maker / Origin

While the specific workshop remains anonymous, this piece is the product of regional cottage industries in Northern India or the Levant. These artisans utilized traditional metal-chasing and horn-carving skills passed down through generations, pivoting to souvenir production as global tourism expanded post-WWII.

Condition & Value

The piece shows moderate wear consistent with age, including tarnish on the brass scabbard, minor oxidation on the steel blade, and some surface scratching on the hilt. A few of the small colored inlay beads appear to be missing or worn down, which is typical for these pieces and reduces value slightly.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.