Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

fernando · 9th November 2014, 03:04 PM

Hi Terry,
I believe this is European.
I wouldn't call it a Navy dirk (too small) but a concealable dagger.
If one recalls, this type of things has various period names, one of which was used by the French: "dague de pute", as it is said that these romantic little daggers were (also) used by salloon girls, hidden between their breasts or boot tops, for self defence.
Some of these may be as early as from the 18th. century; yours would be 19th century ?
Just ignore all the above when some member comes up with a better assessment

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9th November 2014, 03:04 PM	#2
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	Hi Terry, I believe this is European. I wouldn't call it a Navy dirk (too small) but a concealable dagger. If one recalls, this type of things has various period names, one of which was used by the French: "dague de pute", as it is said that these romantic little daggers were (also) used by salloon girls, hidden between their breasts or boot tops, for self defence. Some of these may be as early as from the 18th. century; yours would be 19th century ? Just ignore all the above when some member comes up with a better assessment .