The overall profile of the weapon is a match for the Kinjal, a dagger developed in the Caucasus and Georgia regions before adoption by the Cossacks, but some of the features, particularly the large size of the blade and the koftgari-pattern silver embellishment more typical of an Indo-Persian arm, raise questions as to the origin and purpose of this weapon. Measuring 23 1/4 inches overall, with a 25 inch long, 3 inch wide double edged spear point blade, showing 5 fullers converging towards the tip on the reverse, and the obverse showing a center rib flanked by four intermittent fullers, with silver accents between and around the fullers and a set of untranslated markings near the hilt. Kinjal-profile hilt with unadorned wood on the reverse panel, and a silver accented iron panel on the obverse, secured with a pair of heavy studs. With a purple fabric wrapped sheath, adorned with stamped metal throat and tip, each showing a mixture of raised floral and natural designs. Provenance: The William Ashby Collection

Very good, showing a dark blue color overall on the blade and a deep brown patina on the grip plate, lightening towards the edges, with minor spotting and handling marks. Over 95% of the original silver is present. The scabbard is fair, with the fabric faded to a mixed tan color with minor loss around the seam, and a few dents on the metal.