An Iraqi sword/dagger found in Fallujah, Iraq

An Iraqi sword/dagger found in Fallujah, Iraq in Combat

The Ebay listing:

"I found this sword in June 2005 in the city of Fallujah, Iraq while in combat with II Marine Expeditionary Force Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was found in rubble from a blown up building while on convoy patrol and given to me from one of the Marines I was in charge of. The sword is dagger-like and is worn due to its use in the hands of its owner who was more than likely an Iraqi Republican Guard or Army Officer. I have not confirmed anything as far as its composition except that the blade is 21 inches long and the whole piece is 251/2 inches in length. The blade itself looks like steel or possibly worn silver and has a blood-trauma groove, the handle is carved wood or more likely camel bone,and the handle cap appears to be brass or wouldn't surprise me if its gold but probably not. The former Iraqi leadership in its military used swords, knives, and firearms to execute its own members who did not follow orders...etc. This is the only on I know of and its not a toy! This was more than likely used to kill and not for show. Its of huge historical value. I mailed it back to the U.S in a foot locker risking trouble knowing that we could not bring things back physically on our person if at all. I am not a sword guy but do know this is a VERY important piece of history and culture and wish to sell it to someone who values its significance. I did not do anything to it except wipe it down because I did not want to ruin its original condition. Serious bids only. Thanks."

http://cgi.ebay.com/An-Iraqi-sword-dagger-...id=p3286.c0.m14

The seller gave his permission to post his photos:

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As mentioned in the other post on this, it's hard to tell by the photos but that's certainly not old. Or, at least, not "ancient" old. Judging by the modern-style nut and bolt type assembly on the butt, the pommel design, crude manufacture/style of the blade, chrome plating/chipping on the blade, and poor handle-to-blade/tang fit, it's more likely manufactured in the last 20 years or so. Looks like a put together - an old European-style novelty blade force-fitted to a newer-made handle. Possibly a presentation gift, novelty, or decoration that someone's been using to whack things with. Perhaps something someone gave a kid who had been using it to play around with and it eventually wound up where it was found.

It seems like folks in our hobby can sometimes be quite impressionable and often jump to all things "Iraqi" that have a story. Certainly the seller is selling it for what it is, but there are many out there that will prey upon those too eager. I've known a few that made a decent living putting together Iraqi uniforms, "creating" Iraqi helmets of different sorts, and manufacturing counterfeit Iraqi medals/awards/presentation memorabilia. Unless I found it myself during an action or operation, I put no validity in most of the stuff out there anymore after having seen how well relative amateurs have counterfeited it.

And the "... its owner who was more than likely an Iraqi Republican Guard or Army Officer." statement. Doubtful in Fallujah but anything's ceratinly possible. Be careful - if you're interested in such a thing ensure you buy it for what it is, not for what it could be. ;)

rayman1,

Thanks for the info and the words of caution. I appreciate your input! :D

I used to get most of my stuff when we'd go out but I can remember having a lucky day and getting to the BIAP or IZ and seeing all the GI's buying the Iraqi junk from many of the vendors. It was a little disappointing to see how much they were paying for stuff that was either severly overpriced or even "created." Especially uniforms. But I realized some of those Gi's weren't able to leave the wire and the Iraqis were making some great income (with 10% of their profit going to the ass-clowns at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service/PX, of course). Probably a win-win for both parties, I suppose.

I would just hate to see an over-anxious Iraqi militaria collector fall into the all-to-common trap of only seeing what they wanted and jumping on something that turned out to be different and unbeknownst to the buyer. I've seen a couple of instances on the forums, so you just have to be very careful with the Iraqi stuff.

Thanks again rayman1 for the info. I can see what you were saying about the nut and bolt type assembly on the butt, thanks for pointing that out, I agree, this is certainly not an "ancient" item. Your right, we should not be over anxious in our collecting, and end up getting duped with a fake or "put together" item. And thank you for sharing your experiences to help others. B)

rayman1

You have so much great information you are a great help to the Forum.

Thank you

Lorenzo