Dagger I.D. Please.

[kai]

Hello Norman,

I see what you mean about the file type marks on the blade, I don't know if it's too clear in the photographs but the edge has been honed with a stone, or something similar, as the facet that makes up the sharp edge is smoother than the rest of the blade. This indication of a different wear pattern led me to the conclusion that the blade had been sharpened a number of times.

To me, it seems that someone - possibly the bladesmith - took time to put a decent edge on a roughly finished blade; first doing the fullers and other blade details, followed by setting the edge, and finishing with the final polish is the standard procedure, I guess.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Dear Willem,

Isn't this more of a letter opener, rather than a rencong ?
It is entirely made of silver, and the handle is too small even for a small aceh warrior.

Possibly ceremonial rather than letter opener...

However, with a blade of silver it's definitely not a traditional weapon. It also has some strange features which interfere with traditional file work as seen on weapon-grade 19th c. rencong.

Never the less, at a price of under one dollar I would gladly have added it to my collection

I agree, that's still a bargain regardless of working hypothesis!

Regards,
Kai