Venetian knife, tourist junk?

Tim Simmons · 1st May 2006, 12:19 PM

I came across this today at a market, all I know is the handle is a representation of the pillar of St Mark. Is it tourist junk from Venice? It is very much a dagger with fine edges which struck me as not very touristy, or is there a thing with St Mark and daggers? What role, if any do daggers play in Christianity? The dagger is 28cm long the blade being 14.5cm of that. It is possible that it may have conections with other Orthodox Christian churches like Ethiopia. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I do hope it is not tourist as I paid with the second highest UK bank note, bit of a gamble

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ariel · 1st May 2006, 12:57 PM

I think it is touristy but not new. Travelers flocked to Italy for many years and needed to buy something to remember the "Grand Tour". 19th century? Won't be surprised.

Tim Simmons · 1st May 2006, 03:12 PM

Alas I think you are right. The St Mark winged lion is seen on Ethiopian things but this does not look like Ethiopian work. That's what happens when you step out of line

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1st May 2006, 12:19 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,795	Venetian knife, tourist junk? I came across this today at a market, all I know is the handle is a representation of the pillar of St Mark. Is it tourist junk from Venice? It is very much a dagger with fine edges which struck me as not very touristy, or is there a thing with St Mark and daggers? What role, if any do daggers play in Christianity? The dagger is 28cm long the blade being 14.5cm of that. It is possible that it may have conections with other Orthodox Christian churches like Ethiopia. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I do hope it is not tourist as I paid with the second highest UK bank note, bit of a gamble . Attached Images

1st May 2006, 12:57 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I think it is touristy but not new. Travelers flocked to Italy for many years and needed to buy something to remember the "Grand Tour". 19th century? Won't be surprised.

1st May 2006, 03:12 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,795	Alas I think you are right. The St Mark winged lion is seen on Ethiopian things but this does not look like Ethiopian work. That's what happens when you step out of line .