Khyber sword
probably first half 19th century
Overall length
sword 68 cm / sheathed 73,5 cm
Blade length
54,5 cm
Materials
steel, brass, leather, horn, cotton
Dating
Afghanistan, first half 19th C.
probably first half 19th century
From a private collection. This is a classical example of the famous 'Khyber' or 'Salwar yatagan' sword from one of the Afghan Pashtu tribes. The heavy massive blade is 54,5 cm long and has a 9 mm wide pronounced T spine. The grip slabs are horn and are held in place by three rivits. Original scabbard covered with tooled leather and finely executed chasing brass chape. The upper part is covered with a band of woven leather strokes. The tassle is a later addition but goes well with the scabbard. Total length of the sword is 68 cm. Very good condition. Superficial rust staines to the handle and some interupted leather strokes. Like in the classical swords of this type, the blade goes all the way into the scabbard and only the upper part of the handle is visible. Very impressive sword. Belgian private art market. Below a watercolour drawing by William Simpson of Azad Khan, a Shinwari Malik carrying a similar khyber sword, 1878.
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