Hi Lee.
Interesting looking small blade and handle. Seems to me it is a tool of some sort, rather than a weapon. A little like a farrier's knife for cleaning horse's hooves, but this looks too nice for such a mundane purpose.
My first thought was an old fleam to let blood from horses, people. A popular practice in the 19th C. Otherwise, I suppose it could be a wood working tool for carving or some other small knife purpose.
I don't think it is a Native American knife ("crooked knife"). It has a nice "folk" look to the hilt and the whipping on the handle does not strike me as Native American. Blade looks sturdy and forged.
Be interested to hear what others think.
Ian.
|