This fine khanjar is Persian, Qajar period, early 19 C. or earlier. Typical curved blade with pronounced central rib, forged from very good high contrast wootz (Watered, Damascus) steel. Blade length 9 ½ inches. Handle cut entirely from the inner core of a walrus tusk and very finely carved on both faces with human images in the classic Qajar style. The upper and lower sides of the handle is carved with inscriptions in Arabic letters. Total length 14 inches. Very good condition. Excellent dark age patina on the handle. Minor blackened spots on the blade. Very minor chip on the handle ivory.