This is a most interesting knife, and since I honestly dont know much about these, I've been trying to catch up a little because I am hoping for some more responses here. I think that Michael's expertise with European art themes would be helpful here, as this hilt appears to be an example of genre or themed art often carrying these allegorical themes.
I very much enjoy symbolism in the decoration and motif of weapons, so would add some thoughts that may or may not be applicable here. Obviously there is religious Christian symbolism imbued as the number three in the figures; the anchor, bird and sword are included in Christian symbology, I'm not sure on the scale offhand, but seems as it would be as well in this context.
I'm not certain of the date or nationality, but certainly European, and probably of 16th and into the 17th century. This may be part of a trousse, which were of course often highly decorated, and most fashionable with the gentry. I'm not sure of the belt dagger designation, but understand these to be utility/hunting type knives which seem to usually have had relatively simple hilts, though indeed often with the clipped type point described.
The type of wood noted is interesting as well, and though I am not familiar with fruitwood, the boxwood Michael describes seems a very good possibility. It is interesting to note that boxwood is also known as 'dudgeon', and well known in the hilts of the notorious 'ballock daggers', termed 'dudgeon dagger' in certain of Shakespeare's works. These were in use from 13th c. well into the 17th. Boxwood is extremely dense and carves well, so was often chosen for other valued items such as chess sets.
I am not certain what is meant by Dutch figural swords Peter. Are these of a certain group and period? I'm really curious to find out more on these.
All very best regards,
Jim
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