Jambiya (dagger) and scabbard c. 1903
Gold, steel, leather | 30.0 cm (Height) (whole object) | RCIN 62815
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Jambiya (dagger) with gold hilt and scabbard. The hilt is overlaid with 3 beaded and filigree bands, 2 ornaments ensuite with domed central rivets and the pommel is similarly decorated. The sheath is encased in gold, the collar and chape decorated with beaded and filigree geometric patterns and Kuwaiti inscriptions. Curved double-edged blade with central rib.
King George V received a mission at Buckingham Palace from Sheikh Salim Al-Mubarak, Ruler of Kuwait from 1917 to 1921, on 30 October 1919. The mission was led by Sheikh Salim’s nephew and heir apparent, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jabir, who succeeded Salim as Ruler of Kuwait from 1921 to 1950.
This dagger was presented to the King during the meeting. It had belonged to Sheikh Mubarak (died 1915; father of Sheikh Salim), who had had the gold hilts and scabbards made for the old blades. An inscription on one side of the gold cross-piece of the sword shows that these were the work of Hattah, a goldsmith of Kuwait.Provenance
Presented by the nephew of Sheikh Salim ibn Mubarak, Ruler of Kuwait, to George V in 1919. It had belonged to Sheikh Mubarak bin Sabah (1839-1915).
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Creator(s)
(goldsmith)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold, steel, leather
Measurements
30.0 cm (Height) (whole object)
Place of Production
Kuwait