A somewhat unusual faca de ponta for sharing

[RobT]

Sajen,

Here are six more examples. The first one shown has a whopping 12.5” (31.75cm) blade and is double edged with a scarf weld close to the hilt. The rest of the examples are of typical length. I am not sure if the brass sheath for number four is original to the dagger but it fits well. Number 5 has a bit of an odd looking blade. We will most likely never know why some FDP have a ricasso cover and some don’t but I wonder if if isn’t due to different areas of manufacture.

Sincerely,
RobT

[Sajen]

Hello Rob,

Thank you for your comments! And you could be correct, I just may have not seen enough examples of the long version without the ricasso but after some research I found long examples without ricasso. And also it's possible that it's a regional distinction if they have a ricasso or not.

Funny was the original description from the auction house:

"Finnish puukko with birch bark/brass handle and leather sheath. Overall length: approx. 34.5 cm. Materials: Carbon steel; handle made of stacked birch bark discs with brass spacers and brass end cap (tang riveted/peened at the top); sewn leather sheath with belt loop. Identification, origin, dating: The design, handle construction (stacked birch bark with brass rings), and end cap with continuous tang are typical of Finnish puukkos (Kauhava/Lapland tradition). The technique and function of the birch bark handle are described precisely as such in specialist and dealer literature. The narrow, single-edged blade type with a short shoulder and no guard, along with the simple leather scabbard with a high-set belt loop, correspond to common 20th-century puukkos. Dating: based on workmanship, materials, and patina, circa 1930-1960 (mid-20th century), thus classic post-war/pre-war production. (Classification based on comparison to typical period mass-produced puukkos with a uniform age patina and localized rust/pitting; edge functional, refinishing possible. Handle firm; slight drying cracks between bark slices. Scabbard complete, heavily worn (seam and edge abrasion, seams partially open); overall authentic used condition.)"

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

One of the original auction pictures. And the same view after it has received some TLC.

[RobT]

Sajen,

Re the auction house description: So well written, so comprehensive yet brief in scope, so authoritatively presented, and so entirely clueless. I have copied the description and will put it with my FDP. I would love to know the name of the auction house.

Sincerely,
RobT

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by RobT

Re the auction house description: So well written, so comprehensive yet brief in scope, so authoritatively presented, and so entirely clueless. I have copied the description and will put it with my FDP. I would love to know the name of the auction house.

Lol, had the same thoughts when I read it the first time! Will pm you.

Best regards,
Detlef