Fighting Knife, Dagger, or Tourista Souvenir?

trenchwarfare · 18th November 2011, 04:16 AM

Here is another piece, I've had for a while. At a glance, the fittings, and scabbard look tourista. But the quality of the blade make me think otherwise. Looks to have been made from a Yataghan bayonet blade. But, not just cut-down. The point was forged, and then expertly polished. The remnants of an elaborate hanger are present. It also had a latch at one time. Whatizzit?

Lew · 18th November 2011, 06:05 PM

I think this is a late 19th or early 20th century piece. They were very high quality knives sold to British soldiers so they had somrthing to take back home with them. Some of these actually did see some combat in WWI. Yours seems to be quite stout and since it is mostly brass and not the typical inlay I would think it a Military grade piece. Very nice indeed.

Jim McDougall · 18th November 2011, 08:08 PM

Good write up Lew, and interesting information!!
What kind of yataghan bayonet do you think this might have been? Didnt the French c.1880s have such bayonets, maybe that might put this in the WWI period.

trenchwarfare · 18th November 2011, 09:20 PM

Thanks guys. I've always felt that it is WWI era as well. The blade is too wide for a French Mle 1866. More likely, a British P.1856-73. They have a wider, heavier blade. Or, any other of many, 19th century models.

Atlantia · 18th November 2011, 10:00 PM

For me, this is a very interesting thing. IMHO a relative of the distinctive hunting knives made in Nepal for sale to the British (I assume thats what you are saying Lew?).
The Velvet covered scabbard, the woven wire ribbon is exactly the same as one I have, the blade shape showing the high quality...
This hilt Seems to have clues alluding to several military types.
The lathe turned grip reminds me of early FS commando knives while the guard screams military sabre.
I wouldn't be suprised if the blade was Indian/Nepali. Doesn't look cut down to me.

spiral · 19th November 2011, 01:42 AM

Lovely piece, I have no evidence but think Indian made 30s or 40s is more likely to my eye.

But Ive been wrong before.......

But thats definatly not a bayonet blade, it was forged like that.

Spiral

18th November 2011, 04:16 AM	#1
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Fighting Knife, Dagger, or Tourista Souvenir? Here is another piece, I've had for a while. At a glance, the fittings, and scabbard look tourista. But the quality of the blade make me think otherwise. Looks to have been made from a Yataghan bayonet blade. But, not just cut-down. The point was forged, and then expertly polished. The remnants of an elaborate hanger are present. It also had a latch at one time. Whatizzit? Attached Images

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18th November 2011, 06:05 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	I think this is a late 19th or early 20th century piece. They were very high quality knives sold to British soldiers so they had somrthing to take back home with them. Some of these actually did see some combat in WWI. Yours seems to be quite stout and since it is mostly brass and not the typical inlay I would think it a Military grade piece. Very nice indeed.

18th November 2011, 08:08 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Good write up Lew, and interesting information!! What kind of yataghan bayonet do you think this might have been? Didnt the French c.1880s have such bayonets, maybe that might put this in the WWI period.

18th November 2011, 09:20 PM	#4
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Thanks guys. I've always felt that it is WWI era as well. The blade is too wide for a French Mle 1866. More likely, a British P.1856-73. They have a wider, heavier blade. Or, any other of many, 19th century models.

18th November 2011, 10:00 PM	#5
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	For me, this is a very interesting thing. IMHO a relative of the distinctive hunting knives made in Nepal for sale to the British (I assume thats what you are saying Lew?). The Velvet covered scabbard, the woven wire ribbon is exactly the same as one I have, the blade shape showing the high quality... This hilt Seems to have clues alluding to several military types. The lathe turned grip reminds me of early FS commando knives while the guard screams military sabre. I wouldn't be suprised if the blade was Indian/Nepali. Doesn't look cut down to me.

19th November 2011, 01:42 AM	#6
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Lovely piece, I have no evidence but think Indian made 30s or 40s is more likely to my eye. But Ive been wrong before....... But thats definatly not a bayonet blade, it was forged like that. Spiral