Lot 118: A BEDOUIN SHIBRIYA DAGGER WITH FILIGREE WHITE METAL AND CORAL BEADS, 19TH CENTURY

This antique Bedouin shibriya dagger is a traditional weapon and status symbol from the Levant and Arabian Peninsula, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The weapon features a single-edged steel blade with a pronounced curve towards the tip. The hilt is rectangular in cross-section and fully encased in a white metal alloy, decorated with traditional filigree, granulation, and repousse metalwork. The hilt face contains three circular raised settings, two of which are inset with orange-red cabochon stones, likely coral. The matching white metal-clad scabbard follows the sharp curve of the blade and is ornamented with intricate bands of filigree and geometric patterns. The reverse of the scabbard is fitted with a large suspension ring supporting several long, braided white metal chains that terminate in small decorative finials.

L: 29cm