Nechesh:
My description was based on information contained in Levine, p. 477,* where he also shows a similar example, as well as previous discussion in this Forum of similar knives. Whether this knife is a satanic dagger, or from another cult or organization, is hard to say. I noted that the date, 1884, seemed later than usual for a dagger associated with a French satanic cult, as referred to by Lew, which may or may not indicate another source.
As a former Freemason, I am not familiar with Freemasonry using depictions of "Death," skeletons, or animal imagery on knives in their rituals. The square and compass, the letter "G," circles and triangles are much more common symbols in that society.
Based on the style and the depiction of the hilt, plus the general high quality of this knife, I'm inclined to agree with Lew until we can find a better source and reference.
Ian.
* Bernard Levine. Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values. Fifth edition. Krause Publications, Iola, WI. 2001.
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