ID on this dagger

Sajen · 16th February 2025, 01:29 PM

Here are the examples from my friend, who won them by a lot with other knives.

G. Mansfield · 16th February 2025, 08:20 PM

With a high level of confidence, I would agree that this is a Sinhalese mahout knife. I have/had two examples for comparison. An early variation and a much later one, both from Mandarin Mansion. Peter does a very good job of the breakdown of these so I will include his link as well for reference.

https://www.the-mansfield-collection...a-mahout-knife
https://www.the-mansfield-collection...a-mahout-knife
https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item...-kirichchiya-0

Geoffrey

Sajen · 16th February 2025, 10:49 PM

Another one.

RobT · 19th February 2025, 01:35 AM

Hi All,

Frankly, I know nothing about mahout arms and equipment so my contention wasn’t whether or not these knives are mahout’s daggers but rather that they don’t all appear to be from the same culture.
Although, I noted that the first two knives in Sajen’s “Compare!” reply had blades that looked like Philippine Bowies, the hilts aren’t like anything I have seen in the Philippines. That’s why I asked about the integral blade bolsters. AFAIK, that type of bolster doesn’t appear in the Philippines. Rafngard’s theory of Luzon blades being re-hilted by Moros notwithstanding, I had my doubts about a Philippine origin for any of the examples.
In addition to possible differing cultural origins, G Mansfield’s links make it clear that age plays a part in the stylistic changes, with the older blades typically being more ornate.
With its stylized elephant head pommel and characteristic swept point blade, Carlos’ example certainly fits the bill for a 20th century mahout knife but I question the Borneo origin given by the seller because, as far as I can tell, domestic elephants were not kept recently in Borneo.
There appear to be two main categories: Knives with hilt ferrules alone and knives with integral blade bolsters (with or without hilt ferrules). The blades are either clipped or swept point and suitable for stabbing.

Sincerely,
RobT

16th February 2025, 01:29 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,161	Here are the examples from my friend, who won them by a lot with other knives. Attached Images

16th February 2025, 08:20 PM	#2
G. Mansfield Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Colorado Posts: 91	With a high level of confidence, I would agree that this is a Sinhalese mahout knife. I have/had two examples for comparison. An early variation and a much later one, both from Mandarin Mansion. Peter does a very good job of the breakdown of these so I will include his link as well for reference. https://www.the-mansfield-collection...a-mahout-knife https://www.the-mansfield-collection...a-mahout-knife https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item...-kirichchiya-0 Geoffrey Attached Images

16th February 2025, 10:49 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,161	Another one. Attached Images

19th February 2025, 01:35 AM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 533	A Question of Cultural Origin Hi All, Frankly, I know nothing about mahout arms and equipment so my contention wasn’t whether or not these knives are mahout’s daggers but rather that they don’t all appear to be from the same culture. Although, I noted that the first two knives in Sajen’s “Compare!” reply had blades that looked like Philippine Bowies, the hilts aren’t like anything I have seen in the Philippines. That’s why I asked about the integral blade bolsters. AFAIK, that type of bolster doesn’t appear in the Philippines. Rafngard’s theory of Luzon blades being re-hilted by Moros notwithstanding, I had my doubts about a Philippine origin for any of the examples. In addition to possible differing cultural origins, G Mansfield’s links make it clear that age plays a part in the stylistic changes, with the older blades typically being more ornate. With its stylized elephant head pommel and characteristic swept point blade, Carlos’ example certainly fits the bill for a 20th century mahout knife but I question the Borneo origin given by the seller because, as far as I can tell, domestic elephants were not kept recently in Borneo. There appear to be two main categories: Knives with hilt ferrules alone and knives with integral blade bolsters (with or without hilt ferrules). The blades are either clipped or swept point and suitable for stabbing. Sincerely, RobT