[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

As well described by Mark, these mid 19th century stiletto type daggers were often used by (as he delicately put) 'soiled doves', and concealed in their clothing, a garter likely. It seems these relatively small but deadly daggers were well known also in England (many Sheffield made) and France. The influences in those countries were of course prevalent in the key metropolitan cities in America, but most prevalent in gold rush regions such as San Francisco and the Klondike as Mark mentions.

The biggest push for American makers seems to have been San Francisco (see Levines "Knife Makers of Old San Francisco " 1978).

The men preferred bowies and the unusual 'push daggers'.

These daggers discussed seem to be typically about 8.5" overall with 4" blade.
There seems to be some evidence of pitting, and the material of the hilt obviously not ivory but seems to be recalling the ivory and mother of pearl often used on the 19th c. examples. Really hard to say age of these, but surely well recognizes the form.

Thank you Jim for your useful comment, like always! These small daggers were used in Germany as well, I've seen some marked with Solingen.

Best regards,
Detlef