Early Dagger, origin possibly Scottish

[Cathey]

This dagger appears to have significant age, with the wooden grip feeling very warn to the touch. The grip appears to have lost a cap of some description and some of the wood near the blade. The makers mark on the 10” blade is very clear and distinct probably European although I am yet to narrow this down. in the Scottish Dirk by James D Forman page 9 Illustration 6 there is a similar dagger described as a transitional dagger dungeon style hilt suggestive of early dirks. One thing that I hard to see in our photos’ is that the wood has decoration in the form of small circles stamped into it. I find this item quite puzzling but lovely to hold, any thought on what it actually is and who the maker mark can be attributed to.

Cheers Cathey and Rex.