18th C. Persian Safavid Carved Khanjar Dagger

A very rare and early Persian dagger likely early Safavid period of the mid 17th C.- 18th C. The dragon head terminal quillons are an indicator of the age of the piece as is the deep age of thegrip. The images on the grip are two individualsin European dress. These images were more liekly seen on dagger hilts during the early interactions with Europeans in the 16th and 17th century when Europeans were more of a novelty. Furthermore, the dress of the person depicted on both sides corresponds to dress of European traders during the late Renaissance and early Enlightenment period.

A rare and early dagger. Most example with carved grips are 19th C. Qajar pieces. The blade is also in very nice condition with a fine wootz pattern visible throughout. The scabbard is either a very old replacement or the original one and the wood is fragile near the chape.

15.5 overall, 9.5 blade