Unknown knife, Coachman knife?

[Sajen]

Today I've purchased my first "new" knife of the year, the seller stated that it is a Coachman knife or a hunting knife from around 1760. Origin Middle Europe? Germany? My online search wasn't from any success, I don't find something similar. The handle should be from rock crystal, that's what the seller stated. Scabbard 12 lot silver (750), again the statement from the seller. The knife is 26,8 cm long. Attached are the pictures from the seller. Sadly the pictures from the gold(?) inlay at the blade not very clear. I would be very thankful for every comment since I know next to nothing about European knives like this but this knife was so appealing to my eyes and the price more as good.

Thank you in advance!

[fernando]

Most interesting piece, Sajen.
Do you think it has an European look ?
No marks in the blade ?
... and assuming the scabbard is silver, which looks like, being European would have the 12 lot silver hallmark punched ... don't you think so ?
It will be interesting to see clear pictures of the inlay.

[Sajen]

Thank you Fernando,

I am very unsure, my first thought was Crete but the handle would be more as unusual for a Cretan knife. I've posted it here because the seller seems to be sure that it is German or Middle Europe. For marks in the blade and for a punched hallmark I can look when I have it in my hands. To this time I will post also better pictures from the inlay.

Do you think the thread should be moved to the ethno forum?

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

I've done some search, the inlay look like I have seen it by Greek knives now. Maybe it will be the best to move it to the ethno forum!

Thank you Fernando!

[motan]

Hi Sajen, I am really not an expert, but I tend to agree with Fernando. The engraving on the blade is typical of Cretan knifes and I have not seen similar style on any other blades. The style of the scabbard in general and specifically the flowery decorations is of Ottoman Greece. I have not seen this type of crystal handle on any Greek dagger and it may be a rare feature (which makes it all the more interesting).

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by motan

Hi Sajen, I am really not an expert, but I tend to agree with Fernando. The engraving on the blade is typical of Cretan knifes and I have not seen similar style on any other blades. The style of the scabbard in general and specifically the flowery decorations is of Ottoman Greece. I have not seen this type of crystal handle on any Greek dagger and it may be a rare feature (which makes it all the more interesting).

Hi Motan, thank you for comment! Like you see by this thread I know nothing about this knives. But with the impulse Fernando has given and a private mail and the confirmation from Stelio I see it now byself. But until now I don't have found a very similar example, not only the unusual handle material but also blade shape and size seems to be unusual. It's inside the scabbard nearly similar small like my Vendetta dagger: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=vendetta
So I asked myself the same question Ian asked. (woman dagger?) It is for sure a hidden dagger, there isn't any loop or clip at the scabbard. Also that the edge isn't sharpened seems strange!

Regards,
Detlef

[Tim Simmons]

South America's???

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

South America's???

Hello Tim,

interesting suggestion but I am in the moment more inclined to think that it is some sort of bichaq.