Gaucho knife by Sheffield

[alex8765]

Hi Chris,
The scabbard is attached via belt clip, see picture.
Regards
Alex

[Chris Evans]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the photo.

You have a very interesting and somewhat unusual high quality knife pertaining to the Pampean regions of South America.

It is in all probability an old one, with an English trade blade mounted by a local silversmith, though it cannot be ruled out that it was made to order elsewhere, as many in use in that part of the world were.

The original owner of this knife would have been a man of some wealth and status as they were the only ones who could afford such a fine piece.

By modern Argentinean classification, it is a "facon" and not being a working knife, the ownership of these in the course of the 19th century was highly discouraged, effectively banned, for all except the military, ranch owners and their overseers.

I looked through two lavishly illustrated reference books, one being Domenech's Dagas De Plata, and could not find one quite like it, the unusual part being the elaborate handguard/quillons; Local silversmiths favouring a guard fashioned from a flat piece of metal.

Could you perhaps tell us where you obtained it from?

If you like a more positive identification, I suggest that you write to Mr Abel Domenech in Argentina, who can be contacted at dom_reloader@yahoo.com

Abel has a fluent command of English and has helped forum members in the past. His website is http://www.domenech.com.ar/index.htm

Cheers
Chris

[alex8765]

Hi Chris,
This is very helpful information, thank you very much!
I purchased this knife at the online auction with no information about it. I will try to contact Mr Abel Domenech as you recommended.
Regards
Alex

[Chris Evans]

Originally Posted by alex8765

Hi Chris,
This is very helpful information, thank you very much!
I purchased this knife at the online auction with no information about it. I will try to contact Mr Abel Domenech as you recommended.
Regards
Alex

Creole knives (cuchillo Criollo) with old trade blades are highly valued in Sth America, and you backed a winner with this knife - I am envious!

Cheers
Chris

[alex8765]

Thank you gentlemen

[kronckew]

Good catch! An excellent facon. Wish I'd seen it...

The facon I gather were the longer fighting knives/short swords, often made from bayonets, more for status than actual use in combat, while the ones the Gauchos used were more of a utility knife which occasionally got misdirected into fighting, The blade generally more offset and usually did not have a cross guard. As in all things, there may be exceptions...

[Fernando K]

Hello

The facon is usually a long weapon, attack or defense. That's why it has guard, which can be in U, S or a simple cruise. It has a sharp edge, outside and eventually, a sharp edge on its back. It differs from the dagger, because it has two edges. The spike is centered. Instead, the knife has a triangular shape. shorter, and the spike offset, towards the side of the spine. It has no guard. Of course there are exceptions, but they only confirm the rule

The presented copy meets the two characteristics

Affectionately

[Norman McCormick]

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

Abel has a fluent command of English and has helped forum members in the past.

Cheers
Chris

I can personally vouch for Mr Domenech's willingness and kindness in sharing his vast knowledge of this subject.
Regards,
Norman.

[mross]

Wow, that is gorgeous. More like a piece of jewelry than an art knife.

[Fernando K]

Hello

The letters T P V indicate the name of the silversmith who added the sheet.

On the other hand, I think a sheet that has been re-used, because the brand is off center.

Affectionately