Pictorial Review: Windlass Yatagan
Dec 28, 2009 17:02:52 GMT
Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 17:02:52 GMT
Windlass Yatagan from Hank's Collection – A Pictorial Review[/size] – Larry
Introduction
The Yatagan is a type of Turkish sword (which indeed became known in other countries as the ‘Turkish sword’) used from the mid-16th to late 19th centuries. Used by the Janissaries and other infantry soldiers, these Yatagans were smaller and lighter than ordinary swords so as not to hinder them when carried, stashed at the waist on the march.
It is most likely named after the town of Yatagan in southwest Turkey which was conquered by a Seljuk commander and blacksmith named Osman Bey, whose cognomen was Yatagan Baba. Yatagan Baba later settled there, and gave his name not only to the town, but also to the swords which were produced there. Yatagans were later also made in all the major cities of the Ottoman Empire, particulary Istanbul, Bursa and Filibe.
The Yatagan has several key features that distinguish it from its other edged contemporaries, namely:
1. Its pommel of bone, horn, ivory or silver hilt spreads out in two wings to either sides – a feature which prevents the sword slipping out of the hand in the heat of battle;
2. A broad thick metal band covers the joint between the hilt and the blade. In the case of rich owners, these were often silver or copper gilt set with coral, emeralds, rubies and other precious stones;
3. Most Yatagan blades are slightly curved towards the sharp edge, with the flat of the blade frequently engraved or inlaid with motifs or inscriptions. Inscriptions may include a line of poetry, a reference to an epic legend, a verse in the Koran or prayer, words expressing the thoughts of the sword’s owner, etc. There may also be mark of the swordsmith, the declaration of God’s unity or words identifying the ruler of the time and wishing him victories.
Each Yatagan was the handiwork of a number of craftsmen, each specializing in a particular field of making the iron and steel blade, the hilt work, the scabbard work and the decoration work.
This Yatagan was purchased from a site carrying the late Hank Reinhardt's collection, at a price tag of 200USD, with additional 25USD for CONUS shipping; I also need to bear the additional Paypal fees of 3%.
Statistics
Some quick specifications:
Blade Length: 17 ¾” (inclu. blade collar)
Handle Length: 4 ¼”
Overall Length: 25 ¼” (with scabbard)
Blade width near Guard: ~1 1/8”
POB (Point of Balance): ~2 ½” from Handle
Weight: 1.8 lb (inclu. scabbard)
Components
The Blade
Typical Yatagan's blade measures between 60cm - 80cm but this blade measures only about 45cm. The flat of the blade is hollow-grounded and beautifully done – smooth and uniformly crafted!
If this was indeed a Windlass prototype or one of their early production piece, then Hank must have gotten it sharpened because the edges are beautifully keen. Apart from the small spot of rust near one area of the blade collar, the blade is virtually in perfect condition.
The Handle-Pommel
The handle of the Yatagan seems to be made of horn and held to the blade via three silver rivets. The pommel was crafted into a single ‘hook’ shape instead of the traditional two wings pieces.
The Blade Collar
The blade collar of the Yatagan is a beautiful work of art and worthy of much admirations. I’ll let the pictures do the talking
The Scabbard
The scabbard is leather wrapped over wood core, fitted with metal chapes and mouth piece. The leather is beautifully stitched on the reverse side with no obvious sign of wears and tears despite the age
The opening on the mouth piece is such that it fit the cross-sectional shape of the blade snugly, and allows the blade to be inserted right past the midpoint of the blade collar as shown.
Conclusions
Pros
- beautiful blade, especially the blade hollow ground
- great artwork on blade collar and strap
- great scabbard work
- snug fit of blade in scabbard
- beautiful handiwork on horn handle
Cons
Arrgghhh… can’t find any… Oh well, if I must nick-pick, well..
- blade length shorter than typical traditional Yatagan
- slight rust on blade, scabbard chape and mouth-piece (not the fault of manufacturing, really)
- damage on ‘strap’ on the handle not the fault of manufacturing, too!)
Weapons and arts might appear contradictory concepts to many of us, but like all other artefacts, many types and periods of weapons – swords especially - we see in the museums today have been such vehicle for artistic expression so much so that we sometimes forget they were instruments of war… THIS YATAGAN IS TRULY ONE SUCH!!
Introduction
The Yatagan is a type of Turkish sword (which indeed became known in other countries as the ‘Turkish sword’) used from the mid-16th to late 19th centuries. Used by the Janissaries and other infantry soldiers, these Yatagans were smaller and lighter than ordinary swords so as not to hinder them when carried, stashed at the waist on the march.
It is most likely named after the town of Yatagan in southwest Turkey which was conquered by a Seljuk commander and blacksmith named Osman Bey, whose cognomen was Yatagan Baba. Yatagan Baba later settled there, and gave his name not only to the town, but also to the swords which were produced there. Yatagans were later also made in all the major cities of the Ottoman Empire, particulary Istanbul, Bursa and Filibe.
The Yatagan has several key features that distinguish it from its other edged contemporaries, namely:
1. Its pommel of bone, horn, ivory or silver hilt spreads out in two wings to either sides – a feature which prevents the sword slipping out of the hand in the heat of battle;
2. A broad thick metal band covers the joint between the hilt and the blade. In the case of rich owners, these were often silver or copper gilt set with coral, emeralds, rubies and other precious stones;
3. Most Yatagan blades are slightly curved towards the sharp edge, with the flat of the blade frequently engraved or inlaid with motifs or inscriptions. Inscriptions may include a line of poetry, a reference to an epic legend, a verse in the Koran or prayer, words expressing the thoughts of the sword’s owner, etc. There may also be mark of the swordsmith, the declaration of God’s unity or words identifying the ruler of the time and wishing him victories.
Each Yatagan was the handiwork of a number of craftsmen, each specializing in a particular field of making the iron and steel blade, the hilt work, the scabbard work and the decoration work.
This Yatagan was purchased from a site carrying the late Hank Reinhardt's collection, at a price tag of 200USD, with additional 25USD for CONUS shipping; I also need to bear the additional Paypal fees of 3%.
Statistics
Some quick specifications:
Blade Length: 17 ¾” (inclu. blade collar)
Handle Length: 4 ¼”
Overall Length: 25 ¼” (with scabbard)
Blade width near Guard: ~1 1/8”
POB (Point of Balance): ~2 ½” from Handle
Weight: 1.8 lb (inclu. scabbard)
Components
The Blade
Typical Yatagan's blade measures between 60cm - 80cm but this blade measures only about 45cm. The flat of the blade is hollow-grounded and beautifully done – smooth and uniformly crafted!
If this was indeed a Windlass prototype or one of their early production piece, then Hank must have gotten it sharpened because the edges are beautifully keen. Apart from the small spot of rust near one area of the blade collar, the blade is virtually in perfect condition.
The Handle-Pommel
The handle of the Yatagan seems to be made of horn and held to the blade via three silver rivets. The pommel was crafted into a single ‘hook’ shape instead of the traditional two wings pieces.
The Blade Collar
The blade collar of the Yatagan is a beautiful work of art and worthy of much admirations. I’ll let the pictures do the talking
The Scabbard
The scabbard is leather wrapped over wood core, fitted with metal chapes and mouth piece. The leather is beautifully stitched on the reverse side with no obvious sign of wears and tears despite the age
The opening on the mouth piece is such that it fit the cross-sectional shape of the blade snugly, and allows the blade to be inserted right past the midpoint of the blade collar as shown.
Conclusions
Pros
- beautiful blade, especially the blade hollow ground
- great artwork on blade collar and strap
- great scabbard work
- snug fit of blade in scabbard
- beautiful handiwork on horn handle
Cons
Arrgghhh… can’t find any… Oh well, if I must nick-pick, well..
- blade length shorter than typical traditional Yatagan
- slight rust on blade, scabbard chape and mouth-piece (not the fault of manufacturing, really)
- damage on ‘strap’ on the handle not the fault of manufacturing, too!)
Weapons and arts might appear contradictory concepts to many of us, but like all other artefacts, many types and periods of weapons – swords especially - we see in the museums today have been such vehicle for artistic expression so much so that we sometimes forget they were instruments of war… THIS YATAGAN IS TRULY ONE SUCH!!