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.