The majority of historical items are in private hands. No guarantee this dagger would be displayed as many museums have up to 90% of their stock in long term preservation. What may seem valuable and historical to us may not to a museum curator. Weapons have taken a back seat as far as displays and less interesting items (to us) are displayed.
I would keep it and enjoy it or sell it at a good specialized auction to realize its full price potential.
As someone said here that this sort of thing will exit the rear museum door.
Even with a paper showing you gifted the item many of them disappear over time and not compensation or reason is ever given.
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