African Knife with hardstone pommel
 

Hi
Can anyone help ID this Knife.
Im guessing North Africa? The Handle has two hardstone 'Beads', one of which has been inlaid with a Gold decoration.
Im unfamiliar with this type of Handle and would appreciate any help.
Many thanks

I'm going to guess this is a made up hilt . :shrug:

The upper part of the hilt is not original to the dagger. See attached pic from Gav's post.

Hi Templarnight,
Your dagger is originally from Sudan, its crocodile sheath is typical of the work of South Sudanese. Its handle has not necessarily been modificated because this type of freestyle work was very common , and these weapons was not all stereotyped as some believe some collectors who rely on their books.

Hi Kapinga

I must disagree I have about two dozen Sudanese daggers from the northern and southern areas of the country and have seen at least one hundred others over the last twenty or so years. None of them had these stone pommels except for those sold to persons who traveled for pleasure back in the first quarter of the 20th century. The dagger in question probably had the hilt damaged and some local dealer had it repaired at some point. The blade seems to be of good quality but I concerned about the scabbard usually these scabbards are more for show and not warrior related. The other theory is that these were some type of ceremonial dagger but I have my doubts :shrug: .

Lew

Unusual yes. Not original??? I would want to say for sure. I cannot see why the original makers and I say makers as I do not think the smith would have been capable of making the whole thing. The scabbard, handle and probably the engraving are likely to have been done by other specialists. I would agree that it does not look 19th century but worn as dress, I see no reason why the makers did not think they were making a really cool and fancy piece. :shrug: