22 Karat Gold and Diamond Mounted Arabian Dagger, Jambiya

Likely made by Sheikh Ahmad bin Ibrahim Badr (1920-2009), Saudi Arabia, mid-20th century, 6 in. curved steel blade with raised mid-ridge, featuring an ornate gold T-shaped hilt and curved scabbard decorated in applied foliate motifs set with full cut round and single cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.5 total carats, enhanced with bright cut engraved foliate and floral motifs centering the Saudi Royal Emblem within cannetille work borders, the scabbard's terminus engraved with the maker's name in Arabic script, "made by Ahmad Badr in Mecca," and backed in red leather; presented in a fitted green leather and wood case.
The Lot also includes a catalog from Butterfield & Butterfield Auction in 1994, featuring the dagger and case.

Dagger 11 x 5 1/4 x 1 in.; 6 1/4 in. blade length; case 13 3/4 x 8 1/4 x 2 in.

Total gross weight approximately 404 grams

XRF testing 22 K gold.

From a Private Collector, Davie County, North Carolina

Butterfield & Butterfield Fine Art Auctioneers & Appraisers, Antique & Collectible Firearms, Edged Weapons, and Militaria, San Francisco, May 30-31, 1994, Lot 1349.

Ahmad bin Ibrahim Badr (1920-2009) was the chief artist in charge of the production of the gold doors for the Ka'ba ordered by King Khaled bin Abd al-Aziz in October 1979. He was born in Mecca and joined his father in his gold and silver workshop at the age of 15. Following his death in 2009, prayers were held in his honor at The Grand Mosque.

The jambiya or janbīyyah (Arabic: جنبية) is derived from the Arabic word for ‘side’. The weapon embodies centuries of tribalism and honor, representing manhood, social prestige, and family identity. So impactful is the jambiya on Yemeni culture that its presence echoed throughout regions of the Islamic world, from Morocco to India, inspiring regional versions of the weapon.
Research has pointed perhaps to the weapon's first introductions through the Ottoman Turkish conquest and occupation of Yemen (1538–1630), as well as through trade with Iran and India. In fact some of the earliest illustrations of the weapon are seen in Ain-i-Akbari by Abu’l Fazl (1551–1602), at the British Library in London, depicting various similar weapons from India of the period including a ‘jambhwa.’

The Yemeni jambiya was an ideal weapon for its semi-nomadic and rural population, who primarily used it in defence. The short, curved blade provided several advantages for the wielder. First, when worn at the waist, it allowed for mobility and comfort while traveling, or even fighting, on horse or camel. Second, like most curved knives and daggers, the blade bends towards the opponent, eliminating the need to angle the wrist, thus providing more ease and stability as a stabbing weapon than a straight-edged blade. Third, it allowed for more agile movements, including cutting and twisting upwards. It should be mentioned that the blade’s heaviness was also significant for combat; it made it possible to inflict deeper wounds than a standard knife, as it could cut through muscle and bone.

Source: Parikh, Rachel. "Forging a Legacy: The Jambiya, Yemen’s Iconic Weapon." Orientations Magazine, March-April 2023.

Some light scratches; a few dents to the reverse of hilt and to the scabbard throat; case with surface marks, staining, and wear to the edges.