Ivory hilt dagger with "Tears" and a "Smiley?"

[Mare Rosu]

This arrived this week and I need some help.
What I know is:
Has an Ivory, of some type,hilt.
Crucible steel, wootz, blade.
Has steel balls in the handle,Tears, and has a "smiley" cut into the hilt.
What I like to know is what is it called, age, blade type, and name of the dagger?
What purpose is the cut in the hilt that I call a "smiley"?
The cut is also into the hilt strap as it is raised up on the upper side of the cut, as well as in the Ivory.
Thank you
Gene