Mandaya Dagger

[Robert]

This beautiful little Mandaya dagger was a gift from my good friend Detlef. I have been trying for years with absolutely no success to acquire one of these to fill an open spot in my collection. They were always too expensive, I was too late and they were already sold, or I would come in at second place on the bidding. This piece did need a bit of TLC when it first arrived with the hilt being split into three pieces lengthwise, but with a little work is now back in acceptable condition. The scabbard is next as the lower section where the end originally flared is in need of repair. there is a larger piece or wood split off and missing from the right side (when looking at the first photo) and a smaller section on the left. Where the wood has split can be seen in the last photos showing the sides of the scabbard. I believe that this is the first example of this style of dagger that I have ever seen where the center of the hilt used only a woven wrapping (instead of the usual silver band with two small rattan bands) where the rattan is still completely intact and in good condition. As for the age of this item, though only an opinion I would place this piece as possibly coming from the late 19th century.

The blade is 5-1/2 inches in length and 1-1/16 inches at its widest point. The hilt is 4-3/8 inches long including the tang and the center section between the blade and where the tang extends through it is 2-3/8 inches.

Any comments of information on this dagger would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Robert