The Mysterious Mark of “Gevork”

Abstract

This article provides further analysis and interpretation of an inscription found within a stamp on some of Tiflis daggers. Previously, it was proposed that such a stamp contained the name “Heraclius” and, accordingly, these daggers were attributed to the works of the armory workshop of the king of the Kartli-Kakhetian kingdom of the late 18th century. In 2014, the author’s study indicated the absence of the name “Heraclius” within the stamp and suggested that the correct reading of the inscription gives the name “Gevo” (Gevork). It was made evident through his study that these blades were manufactured by this Tiflis master in the early 19th century. In the present study, the author provides a detailed analysis of his interpretation of the inscription and explains how the inscription should be read. The article contains detailed drawing of the stamp and additional data on the inscription.

Keywords

• tiflis
• gevork
• caucasian weapon
• dagger
• stamp