Help on small dagger

[Gonzalo G]

I think the doble headed eagle comes from the northern border of Italy, from the austrian House of the Habsburgs. Just on the other side of the fence of what it was the Republic of Venice. Looks like a woman´s dagger, or a dagger used on concealment.
Regards

Gonzalo

[Atlantia]

Have a look about half way down this page for a similar piece, with a little crossguard and not anywhere near as elaborate:
Dagger

[Atlantia]

Here's another similar one in a book.


It's described as: Peasant knife from southern Europe with bone grip embellished with small brass studs. Overall length 13 inches. Blade 8 inches. Spanish or Italian early 19th century.

They certainly seem to be a southern European style. Yours seems rather special compared to these others.

Regards
Gene

[Jim McDougall]

Nicely done Gene! That center dagger sure looks like the form, and it would seem to place Southern Europe. I think one of the most difficult identifications is between Spanish and Italian weapons with the Spanish provinces there. Whatever the case they are always beautiful examples!

[Paul Macdonald]

Great research coming in from all!

This certainly seems to be a specific form of European dagger. I`d like to know if there was a specific name for it. Shall contact Italian friends and ask!

All the best,

Macdonald

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Nicely done Gene! That center dagger sure looks like the form, and it would seem to place Southern Europe. I think one of the most difficult identifications is between Spanish and Italian weapons with the Spanish provinces there. Whatever the case they are always beautiful examples!

Thanks Jim, Its nice to be of some small help for a change, instead of my endless newbie questions about ethnic stuff! :-)

Regards
Gene

[Gonzalo G]

There are still a conexion among the spanish Habsburgs and the south of Itay. The decorations often survive in spite of the pollitical changes.
Regards

Gonzalo