A beautiful Ottoman Jambiya Dagger. The blade is 9 ˝” long (point to point) curved and double edge with a central rib and reinforced edges. The top part of the blade has Arabic inscription and a floral decoration inlaid with gold. The hilt is “I” shaped carved from a solid piece of walrus ivory. The Walrus ivory, known as “Morse” in some European languages and as “Shirmahi” in Indo / Persian cultures, was always a preferred material for sword and dagger hilts and has been credited with magical qualities of wound healing. The scabbard is wood covered with black leather with the seams connected with twisted brass wire. Total length in scabbard is 15”. Good condition. Very minor and superficial pitting areas and few age cracks to the walrus Ivory. The Walrus ivory patina is original and the darkened area indicate the core of the ivory tusk. This is an authentic and old late 18th or early 19th Century piece in excellent shape and condition and a treasured addition to any collection of oriental weapon.