Gaucho knife

Hombre · 10th May 2020, 12:32 PM

Rainy weather so I was looking at my Gaucho knives....
Need help with this one.... What kind of metal do you think it is?
Saw what I think is a mark of what kind of metal it is but impossible to read....
Do you guys also think it is a mark or just in my fantasy....

By the way the blade length is 20 cm and the whole knife is 35 cm
Should really appreciate any opinions at all....

Best,
Stefan

Lee · 10th May 2020, 02:01 PM

I find a similar rectangular mark in a similar position on a few of my Gaucho knives and I suspect that it is (or is pretending to be) a mark denoting the fineness of silver mounts. Very judicious cleaning followed by close inspection may disclose a tiny number there (such as 800 that would denote 80% silver.) This appears to be a very nice knife of classic form. Perhaps you might consider applying some silver polishing creme (not brass polish) and seeing what the resulting surface looks like. The material coming off on your rag or tissue should be very dark gray to black for silver.

ariel · 10th May 2020, 02:02 PM

I do not think it is possible to guess its metallurgical analysis from these pics, especially if the mark is unreadable. Even the color differs from pic to pic. Low grade silver? White brass? Neusilber?

You may have to go to a jeweler who has a machine for X-ray analysis and it will give you the composition of the alloy in %%. Takes literally 5 seconds.

In similar cases that is exactly what I do ( although these days jewelry stores are closed here because of coronavirus) and they do it for free. In exchange I have to tell them what kind of sword it is and let them handle it:-) They have a lot of fun and even their pistol-carrying guard knows me well, lets me in with a " weapon" and joins the sword-wielding crowd:-)

Good luck!

Fernando K · 10th May 2020, 02:17 PM

Hello

The sheet says "La Movediza", a signature of Tandil-Argentina and refers to Tandil's moving stone. The number on the hook indicates the title of the silver, usually 800

Affectionately

Fernando K · 10th May 2020, 02:23 PM

Under "La movingiza" (LA MOVEDIZA) it should say Industria Argentina.

Sorry for the translator

Hombre · 11th May 2020, 06:39 AM

Thank you so very much for your opinions. I really appreciate it!

Best,
Stefan

10th May 2020, 12:32 PM	#1
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Gaucho knife Rainy weather so I was looking at my Gaucho knives.... Need help with this one.... What kind of metal do you think it is? Saw what I think is a mark of what kind of metal it is but impossible to read.... Do you guys also think it is a mark or just in my fantasy.... By the way the blade length is 20 cm and the whole knife is 35 cm Should really appreciate any opinions at all.... Best, Stefan Attached Images

10th May 2020, 02:01 PM	#2
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 914	I find a similar rectangular mark in a similar position on a few of my Gaucho knives and I suspect that it is (or is pretending to be) a mark denoting the fineness of silver mounts. Very judicious cleaning followed by close inspection may disclose a tiny number there (such as 800 that would denote 80% silver.) This appears to be a very nice knife of classic form. Perhaps you might consider applying some silver polishing creme (not brass polish) and seeing what the resulting surface looks like. The material coming off on your rag or tissue should be very dark gray to black for silver.

10th May 2020, 02:02 PM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I do not think it is possible to guess its metallurgical analysis from these pics, especially if the mark is unreadable. Even the color differs from pic to pic. Low grade silver? White brass? Neusilber? You may have to go to a jeweler who has a machine for X-ray analysis and it will give you the composition of the alloy in %%. Takes literally 5 seconds. In similar cases that is exactly what I do ( although these days jewelry stores are closed here because of coronavirus) and they do it for free. In exchange I have to tell them what kind of sword it is and let them handle it:-) They have a lot of fun and even their pistol-carrying guard knows me well, lets me in with a " weapon" and joins the sword-wielding crowd:-) Good luck!

10th May 2020, 02:17 PM	#4
Fernando K Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 669	Hello The sheet says "La Movediza", a signature of Tandil-Argentina and refers to Tandil's moving stone. The number on the hook indicates the title of the silver, usually 800 Affectionately

10th May 2020, 02:23 PM	#5
Fernando K Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 669	Under "La movingiza" (LA MOVEDIZA) it should say Industria Argentina. Sorry for the translator

11th May 2020, 06:39 AM	#6
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Thank you so very much for your opinions. I really appreciate it! Best, Stefan