Long Argentian (?) Knife

Jerseyman · 16th September 2023, 05:46 PM

I was told that this was an Argentinian naval dirk but I have come to the conclusion that it is not, from what I can find of that class of weapon, but rather is a civilian knife. I can see why the original conclusion was drawn as the blade does have a military feel.

The blade is engraved 'José Spinelli Puan' It is also stamped 'spinelli' on the pommel cap and the belt hook.

It has a leather scabbard with white metal fittings. The locket, chape and central section are all engraved and punch-decorated, rather nicely. The hilt is octagonal, white metal and also engraved and stamped. The blade is single edged and with a wide fuller either side.

I am working on the assumption that Puan is the town in Buenos Aires.

Dimensions

Length 56cm
Blade length 40cm
Blade width 2.8cm
Hilt length 1.3cm
Hilt width 2cm x 3cm x 3cm
Scabbard length 43cm
Scabbard width 3.5cm

Norman McCormick · 16th September 2023, 07:06 PM

Hi,
This article should answer most of your questions. http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/facon/criollo.html I've had occasion to correspond with Mr Domenech and have found most helpful in identifying South American knives.
Regards,
Norman

Jerseyman · 16th September 2023, 08:06 PM

Perfect! Thank you Norman - much appreciated. A facón. A fighting knife. Good to know.

Lee · 16th September 2023, 10:09 PM

The "white metal" is likely mostly silver, though unlikely up to sterling. A nice, desirable item with some age.

Ren Ren · 17th September 2023, 12:14 AM

Absolutely right! This knife is from Argentina.
"Puan is a town in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the administrative centre of the Puan Partido".

16th September 2023, 05:46 PM	#1
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Long Argentian (?) Knife I was told that this was an Argentinian naval dirk but I have come to the conclusion that it is not, from what I can find of that class of weapon, but rather is a civilian knife. I can see why the original conclusion was drawn as the blade does have a military feel. The blade is engraved 'José Spinelli Puan' It is also stamped 'spinelli' on the pommel cap and the belt hook. It has a leather scabbard with white metal fittings. The locket, chape and central section are all engraved and punch-decorated, rather nicely. The hilt is octagonal, white metal and also engraved and stamped. The blade is single edged and with a wide fuller either side. I am working on the assumption that Puan is the town in Buenos Aires. Dimensions Length 56cm Blade length 40cm Blade width 2.8cm Hilt length 1.3cm Hilt width 2cm x 3cm x 3cm Scabbard length 43cm Scabbard width 3.5cm Attached Images

16th September 2023, 07:06 PM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Hi, This article should answer most of your questions. http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/facon/criollo.html I've had occasion to correspond with Mr Domenech and have found most helpful in identifying South American knives. Regards, Norman

16th September 2023, 08:06 PM	#3
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Perfect! Thank you Norman - much appreciated. A facón. A fighting knife. Good to know.

16th September 2023, 10:09 PM	#4
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 914	The "white metal" is likely mostly silver, though unlikely up to sterling. A nice, desirable item with some age.

17th September 2023, 12:14 AM	#5
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 374	Absolutely right! This knife is from Argentina. "Puan is a town in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the administrative centre of the Puan Partido".