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Example 1 (continued). The inside
(as worn) side of the handle (above top) depicts a serpent, likely
an anaconda, the tail of which continues around the bottom of
the handle (not shown). The upper chape (above lower left) depicts
a man in military costume. The stamped inscription NAPOLEON
III shows a patination different from the main incised design
and is regarded as a later addition. The flag in the upper left
of this component is consistent with that of Argentina as is
that attached to a pole with a spearhead depicted on the lower
chape (above lower right) held by a woman wearing a "liberty
cap". Though primitive in its execution, the decoration
on this cuchillo gaucho is arguably more effective than
the more technically proficient work often encountered on these
knives. |
