African (?) -- from where?

Ian · 14th November 2017, 12:49 AM

A friend asked me what this knife was and how old it might be. I feel that I should know what this one is but a quick search of my files turned up nothing. The stacked, full tang hilt seems to be made of bone and horn disks. The blade is well made, sharp and has a wicked point. The scabbard is brass and has a stamped design (as shown). An incised design appears at forte also.

The appearance suggests WWII era or thereabouts.

Ideas?

Ian.

BBJW · 14th November 2017, 01:59 AM

I would guess it is a post WW2 N. African copy of an English Fairbairn knife.

Kubur · 14th November 2017, 05:01 AM

I'll say Somalian Erythrean with a scabbard influenced by Ottoman Yemen.
Early 20th c.

Battara · 14th November 2017, 05:07 AM

Have you considered the region around Syria?

motan · 14th November 2017, 10:07 AM

Hi,
Although the scabbard indeed looks Syrian, the dagger is from Ethiopia, or at least that is what I read. Of course I can not say it is not from Somalia or even Erythrea. It does looks quite new. I am adding a pic. of similar daggers I have found described as Ethiopian.

Martin Lubojacky · 14th November 2017, 12:24 PM

It is simmilar to some Ethiopian styles, nevertheless it is not from Ethiopia.
I would say (north) Sudan.

14th November 2017, 12:49 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,198	African (?) -- from where? A friend asked me what this knife was and how old it might be. I feel that I should know what this one is but a quick search of my files turned up nothing. The stacked, full tang hilt seems to be made of bone and horn disks. The blade is well made, sharp and has a wicked point. The scabbard is brass and has a stamped design (as shown). An incised design appears at forte also. The appearance suggests WWII era or thereabouts. Ideas? Ian. Attached Images

14th November 2017, 10:07 AM	#5
motan Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Jerusalem Posts: 274	Hi, Although the scabbard indeed looks Syrian, the dagger is from Ethiopia, or at least that is what I read. Of course I can not say it is not from Somalia or even Erythrea. It does looks quite new. I am adding a pic. of similar daggers I have found described as Ethiopian. Attached Images

14th November 2017, 01:59 AM	#2
BBJW Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 228	I would guess it is a post WW2 N. African copy of an English Fairbairn knife.

14th November 2017, 05:01 AM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I'll say Somalian Erythrean with a scabbard influenced by Ottoman Yemen. Early 20th c.

14th November 2017, 05:07 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Have you considered the region around Syria?

14th November 2017, 12:24 PM	#6
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 841	It is simmilar to some Ethiopian styles, nevertheless it is not from Ethiopia. I would say (north) Sudan.