An interesting .... what is it?

[gp]

Originally Posted by Bob A

The beads inset appear to be faceted, which makes me wonder if they are indeed carnelian. Faceting tiny stone beads would require considerable effort, or so it seems to me..

Indeed faceted does raise some questions and could indicate glass cut....
Most interesting questions more and more...

[DaveA]

Here are two new pictures that may be helpful. The lighting is coming from the side. This gives some shadows and thus we can infer shape. What I see:

• The red dots are pits, with both red coloring and bits of crystal-like red material
• The black lines are metallic inlay that is slightly above the surface and casts a shadow

- Dave A.

[gp]

Originally Posted by DaveA

Here are two new pictures that may be helpful. The lighting is coming from the side. This gives some shadows and thus we can infer shape. What I see:

• The red dots are pits, with both red coloring and bits of crystal-like red material
• The black lines are metallic inlay that is slightly above the surface and casts a shadow

- Dave A.

excellent pics! which does raise more questionmarks; defenitly no cornelian but what it is, I can't say ; perhaps other forum members do recognize it..?

As for the black (metal?) inlays: it seems to me too "refined" for the Moroccan tribal ones but more into the Ottoman and or Arab Middle East worlds.
Nevertheless I have seen some Algerian ones with black inlay, although thicker...

Guess best somebody from those regions could perhaps give an indication?
as it still remains a mystery to me but also a beautiful little dagger

[Bob A]

I've seen delicate silver scrollwork inlays in an early (horn) Tuareg dagger hilt. Of course the black color is from oxidation.

[gp]

Originally Posted by Bob A

I've seen delicate silver scrollwork inlays in an early (horn) Tuareg dagger hilt. Of course the black color is from oxidation.

Thnx a lot for this insight. Might indeed be a good indication but would define it as not Moroccan as the Tuareg region is way more south or more east towards Algeria and Libyia...
Still remains the nature of the red stone open....
Back checking the stones used by the Tuaregs, I could only find cornelian, red agate, red glass beads and red crystal ( with further finding more details which crystal it is...)
but ....Tuareg daggers do have quite a lot a crosslike decoration at the bottom of the scabbard or top of the handle...which is lacking from this beautiful bone dagger

[kahnjar1]

My guess is a Moroccan or Algerian Genoui dagger. Certainly it has the traits of other daggers from that region. Nice piece!
Stu

[gp]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

My guess is a Moroccan or Algerian Genoui dagger. Certainly it has the traits of other daggers from that region. Nice piece!
Stu

Indeed, this comes closest

Also interesting:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=29752

Nevertheless first time ever I have seen DaveA’s very nice dagger!