This is a masterfully crafted example of a Caucasian style qama dagger, also commonly referred to as "Cossack" daggers, due to the famous horsemen regularly carrying them. It measures 21 1/2 inches overall and a 15 1/2 inch spearpoint blade with a ridged centerline on each side of the blade. The base of the blade has been extensively inlaid with gold Arabesque vine patterns on both sides. The hilt is masterfully relief chiseled with floral patterns throughout, silver plated, and a castle on the rear side of the pommel. Similar patterns are relief chiseled on the scabbard, which is also silver plated, including an additional castle. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Very fine overall, the blade mostly a bright grey with a few scattered patches of light surface pitting, retaining almost all of the gold inlay, and a thin layer of applied protective varnish. The silver plating generally shows an attractively aged patina on both the hilt and scabbard with minimal wear on both.