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Post by aethelstan on Oct 21, 2021 18:22:07 GMT
Hi folks,
I am interested in identifying and valuing the swords in this picture. I wonder if you can help. I don't know anything about them excpet that they were owned by a man who traveled in Asia a lot.

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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Oct 22, 2021 12:21:32 GMT
That type is a Khyber and is used in the Afghanistan region, and are not unknown in the India/Pakistan area as well. AKA Pesh-kabz.
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Oct 22, 2021 12:26:29 GMT
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Sword ID
Oct 22, 2021 18:04:59 GMT
via mobile
Post by randomnobody on Oct 22, 2021 18:04:59 GMT
As mentioned, Afghan Khyber knives. An English colloquial name, there's a lot of debate over their native name. I've seen salawar yataghan before but I'm sure that's not local. Some would argue for pesh kabz, but that term is used more specifically for a subset of knives. As for value, I assume neither have a scabbard/sheath, so that takes a bit off. I'm kinda iffy on the etched(?) one, but the larger of the two looks to be a solid, working blade, very akin to one I own, myself. I've seen many similar online, as well. Without scabbards, though, depending on overall condition, I feel like $3-400 for the larger is a pretty fair price in the current market. As for the other...I dunno. More photos of both would help, but I get the feeling the other one is a tourist souvenir and wouldn't put more than $200 on it without a better idea. My collection, for reference: 
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Post by aethelstan on Oct 27, 2021 22:03:30 GMT
As mentioned, Afghan Khyber knives. An English colloquial name, there's a lot of debate over their native name. I've seen salawar yataghan before but I'm sure that's not local. Some would argue for pesh kabz, but that term is used more specifically for a subset of knives. As for value, I assume neither have a scabbard/sheath, so that takes a bit off. I'm kinda iffy on the etched(?) one, but the larger of the two looks to be a solid, working blade, very akin to one I own, myself. I've seen many similar online, as well. Without scabbards, though, depending on overall condition, I feel like $3-400 for the larger is a pretty fair price in the current market. As for the other...I dunno. More photos of both would help, but I get the feeling the other one is a tourist souvenir and wouldn't put more than $200 on it without a better idea. My collection, for reference:  Thanks for the info! They were probably purchased in Asia in the 50s.
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Post by aethelstan on Oct 27, 2021 22:12:27 GMT
Awesome collection
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Sword ID
Oct 27, 2021 22:15:39 GMT
via mobile
Post by randomnobody on Oct 27, 2021 22:15:39 GMT
From what I understand, antiques have made their way across the world via the British, from their invasion/occupation back in 18XX, but they're still made in some parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, etc and those can be found in bazaars and the like in those areas. I think they're probably my favorite, as swords go, but the antique market has gotten pretty sparse in the last few years. 
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Sword ID
Oct 27, 2021 22:52:50 GMT
via mobile
Post by randomnobody on Oct 27, 2021 22:52:50 GMT
I was noticing what looks to be an arsenal stamp on the larger of your two, which makes it interesting, and I recall a discussion on the Viking Sword ethnographic forum about such, but can't seem to find it. Check them out if you haven't already, just do a search for "Khyber" and you should turn up several threads with a lot of great info. www.vikingsword.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=2
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