[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Ian

Kronckew:

The two you show with MOP inlays on the handles are from northern India, circa 1900. These were made largely for sale to Europeans who were touring India. A lot of them ended up in the U.K. (for obvious reasons). They are usually well made knives, and there is nothing shabby about how the better ones were made or whether they could be used as weapons.

Acid etching of English words on the blades is also found on some of these. Occasionally you find "kirpan" etched on them, presumably to indicate a Sikh association since all Sikh men, according to religious custom, are supposed to carry a knife (kirpan).

Ian.

Then these two posted by Miguel would seem to be from the same place and time period as well.