A Pontus Holmberg Eskilstuna for comment

[Sajen]

I won today at a German auction this rather nice Swedish Pontus Holmberg Eskilstuna knife. It's a little bit unusual with the metal handle, Leif has posted some time ago catalog pages from these knives, http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=29587&highlight=eskilstuna, I can't find a match there, so my query if someone is able to tell me more about my new knife! ;) Overall 28 cm, blade 14,3 cm.

[Battara]

Never seen a knife like this. The silver decor looks etched. Very nice.

[Sajen]

Never seen a knife like this. The silver decor looks etched. Very nice.

Thank you Jose! :) It's not silver but German silver.

Regards,
Detlef

[Rafngard]

Hello Detlef,

Wow! That is stunning! Thank you for posting this.
I think I've seen one with a metal hilt before, but not in person.

-Leif

[Sajen]

Thank you Leif! :cool:

[Jim McDougall]

This is an absolutely gorgeous knife! and what I like most is the way the vestigial quillons project through the slot in the scabbard, which swallows the hilt in the manner of shashkas. For some reason that has always been one of the most intriguing edged weapon features to me.

This also is from a renowned maker in the city of Eskilstuna, which has been known as the Sheffield of Sweden.......by comparison, the famed Bowie knives of the American frontier were made mostly in Sheffield.

This seems almost like an exotic version of the Finnish puukko, which of course seems understandable given the notable numbers of Finns in these areas.
The term Nordic is indeed more appropriate as it applies more collectively including Finns as well as Danes, Norwegians, Icelanders and Swedes. In this would be the Laplanders, lesser known and of northern Finn and Arctic regions.

The knife was a mans supremely personal item in these countries, especially in remote areas where they were primarily utility for hunters, fishermen and workers. A knife like this was likely more of course a dress item and weapon for a gentrified man in more metropolitan setting.

[Sajen]

Yes Jim, I also think that this is a late 19th century dress dagger for a noble man. :)
Thank you very much for your educated comment!

Regards,
Detlef

[Rafngard]

I can't find a match there, so my query if someone is able to tell me more about my new knife! ;) Overall 28 cm, blade 14,3 cm.

Hello Detlef,

I just received an example of #014 today, so I've been looking at the catalog a little.

I think your blade may be a variant of the curved version of number 38.
This would make yours the "posh cousin" of my straight 38 from the linked post.

Have fun,
Leif

[Sajen]

Thank you Leif,

I had no. 38 as a closed match in mind also.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

I have received it, very nice knife in the hand and still very sharp. Some nicks in the edge, a little bit play in the handle and visible wear, otherwise very good condition.

Found a collection of these knives online with further descriptions. There is also one like mine. https://theoutcastrogue.tumblr.com/post/733543180051562497/eskilstuna-daggers

[Sajen]

Now I know why I can't find a match in the catalog posted by Leif, the catalog is from Dhalgren while my knife is from Holmberg. ;) :D

[Sajen]

Some pics.! :)

[Ian]

Very nice knife Detlef.

[Sajen]

Very nice knife Detlef.

Thanks Ian! :) Yes, it's a nice knife and still very sharp!

Regards,
Detlef

[Rafngard]

Now I know why I can't find a match in the catalog posted by Leif, the catalog is from Dhalgren while my knife is from Holmberg. ;) :D

Oh! Of course.

There is a book out there on these knives, in Swedish. "Knivar från Eskilstuna" by Arne Marmér, ISBN 9789163081767, published in 1999. Unfortunately I don't have a copy yet, but I think maybe I need to find a copy.

Thanks,
Leif

[Sajen]

Hi Leif,

When I would have a collection like you I would think about to buy this book too but I have only this example! :D When you have the book please let us know if it is worth buying it.

Regards,
Detlef