Family heirloom Yemeni/Arabic Jambiya — looking for history, age & identification
This Jambiya has been passed down in my family from my great-grandfather to my father and eventually to me. As far back as I know, it has been in the family and was kept locked away in a safe for an unknown number of years.
I’m trying to finally learn the history behind it. I believe it may be a Yemeni Jambiya/Janbiya, but I’m hoping someone knowledgeable can confirm that and tell me more.
I’m particularly interested in:
Approximate age/date of manufacture
Country/region/city of origin
What specific style of Jambiya this is
What the Arabic inscription on the blade says
Whether the inscription could identify a person, maker, date, or place
Whether the silver-colored parts are actual silver, plated silver, or another metal
What the symbol/mark on the pommel means
Whether the dagger and sheath appear to be originally together
Any historical or cultural information about this particular style
The dagger has some oxidation and age-related wear. There is also a noticeable metallic smell left on my fingers after handling it. I have not polished or chemically cleaned it because I don’t want to alter the original surface or potentially remove anything important.
This isn’t something I recently purchased — it’s a family heirloom that was passed down to me. I’m mainly interested in learning its history and getting a better understanding of what my family has had sitting in a safe all these years.
I’ve included photos of the dagger, sheath, hilt, blade, and close-up of the Arabic inscription.
If anyone here has experience with Yemeni jambiyas, Arabian antique weapons, Arabic inscriptions, or Yemeni metalwork, I’d really appreciate any information you can provide.
Thanks!