A "Mexican kris fighting dagger" from ?

[Rafngard]

Hello All,

This is a new to me dagger with a "kris" blade (seller's description). The seller says it's from Mexico, which to me, is at least plausible, but I'm not knowledgeable on the area, and I have no idea. The handle seems to be bone, and there's a makers mark that I can't for the life of me read.

Any and all opinions especially on age/origin are welcome.

Thanks,
Leif

[Gavin Nugent]

G'day Leif,

I'll have a crack at it... without certainty, but with a few clues.

The sheath is akin to Spanish frontier types in the Mexico/New Mexico regions of USA.

The blade stamp is typical of those seen on South American Gaucho knives.

I think perhaps Mexican in origin?

[milandro]

I took a look around and found several examples of flamberge blades of Mexican or Spanish origin.

The example shown may not be as old as it wants to look.

[Battara]

There is the possibility that this was an Ilokano blade or inspired blade in Mexico.

Many Filipino sailors and trades people were in Mexico and visa versa due to the gallion trade between Manila and Mexico for centuries under the Spanish empire.

[Gavin Nugent]

I took a look around and found several examples of flamberge blades of Mexican or Spanish origin.

The example shown may not be as old as it wants to look.

I agree with the age assessment. The blade shows age, the sheath and hilt appear a lot more modern, post WWII at face value.

[Legendary_Jarl]

I think this is from Oaxaca. I have seen similar pieces made by Casa Aragon. Maybe an ancestor of theirs.

[Ian]

I agree with Gavin. The blade appears to be fairly old, but the hilt and sheath are more recent. The blade could be Spanish. The hilt and sheath are likely Mexican.

[Jim McDougall]

I think this is from Oaxaca. I have seen similar pieces made by Casa Aragon. Maybe an ancestor of theirs.


Very well noted! and this venerable family of makers in Oaxaca have produced many weapons bearing notable influences such as this. The so called 'Spanish Main' existed well through the 19th century, and in the latter Spanish period in Baja and Alta California and Acapulco the Manila 'galleons' (trade vessels) plied the trade from Philippines to these places.

Certainly these undulating blades, as known on the keris, would have had some presence among the exotic wares and commerce coming from the Philippines and entered the networks in these Mexican regions.

I agree with the 20th century assessments on this interesting knife.
The weapons of Spanish colonies and later Mexico are in my view always fascinating and have a distinct rugged mystique of their own.