Melbourne - 1-1-2009 at 09:33 PM
This looks like an armenian oud. Probably made in syria by an armenian maker, as the characteristics are very nahatesque and typical "sham" design
for that period. The arabic word is blocked through the middle but looks like "daykar - blocked bit - jaryan". There is armenian writing below. Am
sure it will ring a bell for some armenian oud fans - there a couple here on the forums...
cheers
Sam
Armenian
spyrosc - 1-2-2009 at 12:43 AM
This is a Dicran Najarian oud. He is the grandfather of Viken Najarian who is in Southern California.
It looks Syrian but it is from Beirut Lebanon (pretty similar), from 1934.
For pictures of the old gentleman and other info, search these forums for "Najarian"
Spyros C.
Najarian Oud
spyrosc - 1-3-2009 at 12:03 AM
Please post some more detail pictures and, if possible, description of condition and provenance. Then we might be able to estimate a value.
Where are you located ? You might be able to take it to a local person who is familiar with ouds for a much better appraisal.
If you are close to Southern California, Viken Najarian, the grandson of this maker, might be interested.
There is also a gentleman on these forums by the name of Jonathan Varjabedian who collects Armenian ouds and has his own Web site http://varjouds.com , where you can get information about Najarian and other Armenian oudmakers.
Good luck
Spyros C.
attelav - 1-3-2009 at 09:48 AM