Georgian Kindjal Dagger By Afandi

The "Kindjal" or "Khandjali" is a type of double-edged dagger found mainly in the Caucasus regions and Central Asia. The "Kindjal" is, depending on its origin, often decorated with precious metals such as ivory, silver or gold. The blades are usually made of high-grade steel with a variety of fullers, some of which are made with a twisted core steel pattern. While most blades are plain and polished, we also encounter examples with chiselled highlights.

The hilt: Typically shaped, thin and elegantly inlaid with niello silver fittings depicting foliage. The front features two sectioned bolsters that are similarly decorated in engraved niello silver with a central, wedge-shaped silver rivet cover decorated in niello silver. The back of the hilt features a ferrule with a symmetrical tendril. The horn grip plates are riveted to the blade with three copper nails and a superimposed silver curved line decorates the flat tang of the blade.

The Blade: A broad, straight, thickly forged blade with double edges that taper to a fine diamond-shaped point. The blade has three chiseled fullers on each side, varying in length. Both sides feature an acid-etched twisted core pattern, a common feature of late 19th and early 20th century kindjal. The Scabbard: Consists of two wooden halves held together by black leather and thick silver fittings. The locket is slightly rounded and has a raised portion for attaching a cord or lining. The entire front of the locket is richly decorated with finely chiseled scrolls and foliage, decorated with contrasting niello. The back of the locket is decorated with a maker's signature reading "master Afandi", maker unknown. The medallion is similarly decorated and features a silver wire tip, soldered together and fitted with a round finial with "pearl edge" segments. The decoration of the blade harks back to Georgia at the turn of the century, between the 1800s and 1900s.