A LARGE CAUCASIAN BAZALAI KINDJAL DAGGER

A massive example with polished horn grips and steel bosses, the straight, double-edged blade with central ridge to each side, and a shallow panel at the forte with finely-engraved vinework, signed in Arabic, BAZALAI. In its velvet-covered wooden scabbard with large silver mounts finely embossed and engraved with silver mounts. Mid-19th century. Bazalai Chilla was perhaps the most famous smith in the Caucasus. He was well-known to men as diverse as Shamil of Daghestan and French author Alexandre Dumas (Pere.) Minor wear. Overall length 50.4cm/ 21.05". Condition II