Help, anyone familiar with such a knife?

[tbird914]

I have a knife that was my grandfather’s and was hoping somebody might be able to give me some information on it. I’ve only come across one example of a item with similar markings, but it was on some auction site that was very very old so all the information on that item was removed other than the amount it sold for and I’m sure that was false as the amount was a bit far fetched. The only information that I came across would be that it was South American, possibly and sort of boot knife.n Any and all help is much appreciated.

Thanks.

[gp]

looks like a Gaucho Knife, see also:

http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/facon/criollo.html

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=Gaucho+Knife
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=Gaucho+Knife
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=Gaucho+Knife

[Chris Evans]

Hi,

It is a “cuchillo criollo”, (creole knife) pertaining to the Pampean flat grasslands of Sth America extending from southern Brazil to Uruguay and Argentina. These days it is classified as a `puñal’ on account of its false edge.

Judging by the coat of arms on the sheath, it is Uruguayan. See https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escudo_de_Uruguay

Referencing Domenech’s `Dagas De Plata’, the brand on the blade pertains to Solingen, that is, a German trade blade destined for the Sth American market, though I have been unable to find any more information . The 800 an the mouth of the sheath indicates the silver content.

Cheers
Chris

[Chris Evans]

Hi tbird914

I did some more searching on the internet and found a similar knife being discussed and the poster claims that the brand MCA MH RDA is in fact an abreviation of `MARCA MARTINEZ HERMANOS REGISTRADA', and he dates it to the 1960s. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/6417.../?locale=es_LA

Further searches revealed another knife with the word `Solingen' under the same brand and the owner claims it to be quite old. In all probability, the blades with `Solingen' were purchased from Germany and mounted with furnishings in Uruguay by local craftsmen and perhaps later renditions were made with blades made elsewhere . See https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKMADfpesC/?img_index=1

Also searched for Martinez Hermanos in Uruguay and found a post in a forum in which it is claimed that the firm was a well known Montevideo jewellery shop that sold these knives with blades obtained from Solingen, and that these knives are considered over there as of average quality. See the last post https://www.fullaventura.com/foro/viewtopic.php?t=71907

Cheers
Chris

[Sajen]

It would be important to say that scabbard and handle are made of 800 silver and the golden accents are actually made of gold.

Regards,
Detlef

[Chris Evans]

Originally Posted by Sajen

It would be important to say that scabbard and handle are made of 800 silver and the golden accents are actually made of gold.

Regards,
Detlef

Good observation and I was tempted to say so too, but was unsure if it was solid gold or mere plating. Didn't expect too much gold on 800 silver. Be that as it may, it is a very nice knife!

Cheers
Chris

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

Good observation and I was tempted to say so too, but was unsure if it was solid gold or mere plating. Didn't expect too much gold on 800 silver. Be that as it may, it is a very nice knife!

Yes, of course it's a plating but a thick plating I guess. At least the ones in a similar style I've handled had a rather thick plating and not only a thin gold washing.

Regards,
Detlef

[tbird914]

Thank you so much. It’s been a long time, searching without knowing exactly what to search for, and it’s not easy to find someone here in the states that even specializes in antique arms. So.., thank you again.