Language: Turkish

Description

Bichaq literally means "knife". In antique arms circles the term usually refers to a knife shaped somewhat like a yatağan, the sword with recurved blade that was carried by military men (infrantry) and wealthy civilians in the Ottoman empire.

Bichaq often come in a silver scabbard, usually with repousse work. Like the bigger yatağan, the bichaq also has a grip which is "eared". The grip is either made entirely of silver, of has scales of bone, ivory, horn, wood or precious stone. Many bear a date.

Bichaq

A nice example of an Ottoman bichaq with silver niello mounts and golden inscriptions to the blade.
It bears inscription dating it to Hijri 1290, (1873/74 A.D.) and the maker's name Mustafa.

 

Ottoman bichaq

An Ottoman Balkan bichaq with silver scabbard and bone grip scales.
This piece bears a date 1227, corresponding to 1811-12 A.D.

Do you have anything for sale?

I might be interested in buying it.

Contact me

Fine German hunting flintlock with captured Ottoman barrel.

€16000,-

The hilt is in the typical Marwari Rajput style, made by Ram Namar in 1857 A.D.

€2200,-

Once belonging to William Fraser (1784-1835), a British civil servant.

€2750,-

Once belonging to William Fraser (1784-1835), a British civil servant.

€2000,-

Inspired by uchigatana brought into Vietnam by Japanese refugees.

€1600,-

With silver overlay on iron even continued on its hilt.

€2500,-