My new Corsican Vendetta dagger

[Sajen]

One of my last purchases of the last year is this small Corsican Vendetta dagger, it's 23,5 cm long inside it's scabbard from wood with white metal fittings, handle is from wood. Here some pictures, enjoy!

[Sajen]

My question would be if this dagger was made for real use or if it was just made as an early tourist souvenir because of it's small size. Here another example which similar size (23,2 cm). The etching on the blade and the end cap of the handle let me think that this is a tourist dagger.

[Sajen]

And here another example which was sold recently for an enormous amount of money, much bigger (15.75") and beautiful worked. A real beauty indeed.

[Roland_M]

Originally Posted by Sajen

My question would be if this dagger was made for real use or if it was just made as an early tourist souvenir because of it's small size. Here another example which similar size (23,2 cm). The etching on the blade and the end cap of the handle let me think that this is a tourist dagger.

Hi Detlef,

a nice dagger and a well done restoration.

I think this is a dagger for real usage. The german "Jagdnicker" (no better english term than "hunting knive" for that) ist also pretty short.

I believe it is the same as with spanish Navaja, they were probably sold in specialised shops to local inhabitants and visitors.


See you soon!
Roland

[mariusgmioc]

Hello Detlef,
I am not familiar with this type of knives but it definitely doesn't look like a tourist knife!
It appears to have a real sturdy blade and strong fittings suitable for real use.
If it is a "vendetta" (revenge) dagger, then I assume it is supposed to be carried concealed and in this case the size is just about right.

[Sajen]

Hi Roland and Marius,

sorry for late respond! Thank you both for comment. I've asked because the second shown example have this etching on the blade and this head from the Corsican flag on the end cap, see here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_a...rms_of_Corsica
Of course this dagger can do it's job, gambler and prostitute daggers from different regions have a similar size and were also useful daggers IMVHO.

Regards,
Detlef

[Robert]

Hello Detlef, No tourist piece here, this is a beautiful and quite functional little dagger that you have acquired. Being small these were quite easily concealed and originally were most likely meant more for defence but like all sharp pointy items they could just as easily be used for the attack as well. You have done a wonderful job of of cleaning and restoring this piece and it will make a great addition to your collection. Congratulations on yet another great score.

Best,
Robert

[Sajen]

Thank you very much Robert!

Best regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Here another one which get sold recently. 10" overall.