Bidspirit auction | 19th C. Extremely Rare Russian

19th C. Extremely Rare Russian Georgian Nobleman Dagger - A fine and very rare dagger exhibiting conflicting formal and decorative characteristics. While generally evoking the well-known Yemeni janbiyah dagger, close scrutiny reveals an unexpected origin.The hilt is a single section of noble material , brilliantly carved and undercut, depicting an armed warrior on horseback hunting a rhin0cer0s among huge trees, behind which the massive casements of windows set in the stone walls of a castle are visible. The hand-wrought blade emulates the Yemeni form: broad at the forte, sharply curved, continuously tapering and double edged, with the addition of a distinctive bisected rectangular central rib. The velvet-covered wooden scabbard with applied galloon, mounted in silver, the locket finely filigreed with a Christian cross, the chape with engraved motifs showing Persian influence, the finial of Arab thum form.This dagger is a unique example of the cosmopolitan palate of techniques and literary influences found among Tiflis armorers and their clients in the first half of the early 19-th century. A Museum Grade and Rarity example. 12” total length. blade length - 6 1/2”.