Chilean Corvo knives

Ian · 20th July 2015, 01:06 PM

Wayne:

There are obvious similarities between the modern corvo and the jambiya.

However, the development of the corvo appears to be quite separate and uninfluenced by the jambiya style of weapon. The corvo started out as a single-edged, sickle knife and tool. From there it evolved to a weapon (sharp on the concave edge only) and eventually a double-edged weapon.

A number of years ago we had an extensive debate about a possible Arab/African origin for the corvo and concluded there was no evidence for such a link or association, rather a similar end point but from different origins.

Ian.

kronckew · 20th July 2015, 01:20 PM

parallel evolution in action

there was also the single edged sica, used by roman gladiators & the sicarius of palestine & elsewhere.

Ian · 20th July 2015, 01:54 PM

Here is a clearly documented 19th C. corvo. The officer pictured is Sub-Lieutenant José L. Herrera and the picture was taken in Antofagasta on February 20, 1879 (very early in the Pacific War just after the seizure of Antofagasta by Chile). Note the bolster on the hilt and absence of a guard. This was a civilian knife taken to war.

Ian · 20th July 2015, 02:01 PM

Examples of 19th C. corvo. Note the "Spanish notch" on the blade of the silver handled one, the one below it, and two in the bottom picture--I have not seen this feature on 20th C pieces.

Ian · 20th July 2015, 02:07 PM

Early to mid-20th C. corvo

Examples elsewhere on this site:

http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526a.jpg

http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526b.jpg

http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526d.jpg

http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526c.jpg

Other examples:

Ian · 20th July 2015, 02:11 PM

Military corvo.

Ian · 20th July 2015, 02:18 PM

A European version of the corvo. A German single-edged hirschfanger made in the corvo style and manufactured by Laute in about 1910.

Jim McDougall · 20th July 2015, 11:26 PM

Ian, outstanding research work!! and thank you for bringing together an excellent summary of data on these!
While it does seem that little has come forward on the corvo in the years since they were discussed here, it is good to know that yourself and others here have put together this key data which gives us perspective on them.
The assembled examples and links are great also. Much appreciated.

Kronckew, thank you as well for the input and insight. As you point out, there are basic similarities with some of these other daggers, but though compelling, nothing we can assert with any certainty.

It seems in things I have found, the examples which have that rounded choil (aka Meditteranean notch) at the blade back seem to be often identified as Canary Islands.

Actually, what little I know on knives, especially of these kinds, I thought this was more a utility knife. It does seem these were quite deadly in the hands of these Chilean fighters, and it is fascinating to learn more on their history.

20th July 2015, 01:54 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Here is a clearly documented 19th C. corvo. The officer pictured is Sub-Lieutenant José L. Herrera and the picture was taken in Antofagasta on February 20, 1879 (very early in the Pacific War just after the seizure of Antofagasta by Chile). Note the bolster on the hilt and absence of a guard. This was a civilian knife taken to war. Attached Images

20th July 2015, 02:01 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Early corvos Examples of 19th C. corvo. Note the "Spanish notch" on the blade of the silver handled one, the one below it, and two in the bottom picture--I have not seen this feature on 20th C pieces. Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 20th July 2015 at 04:46 PM. Reason: Added more pictures

20th July 2015, 02:07 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Early to mid-20th C. corvo Examples elsewhere on this site: http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526a.jpg http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526b.jpg http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526d.jpg http://www.vikingsword.com/i3/e1526c.jpg Other examples: Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 20th July 2015 at 02:29 PM.

20th July 2015, 02:11 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Military corvo. Attached Images

20th July 2015, 02:18 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	A European version of the corvo. A German single-edged hirschfanger made in the corvo style and manufactured by Laute in about 1910. Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 20th July 2015 at 02:39 PM.

20th July 2015, 01:06 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Wayne: There are obvious similarities between the modern corvo and the jambiya. However, the development of the corvo appears to be quite separate and uninfluenced by the jambiya style of weapon. The corvo started out as a single-edged, sickle knife and tool. From there it evolved to a weapon (sharp on the concave edge only) and eventually a double-edged weapon. A number of years ago we had an extensive debate about a possible Arab/African origin for the corvo and concluded there was no evidence for such a link or association, rather a similar end point but from different origins. Ian.

20th July 2015, 01:20 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	parallel evolution in action there was also the single edged sica, used by roman gladiators & the sicarius of palestine & elsewhere.

20th July 2015, 11:26 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Ian, outstanding research work!! and thank you for bringing together an excellent summary of data on these! While it does seem that little has come forward on the corvo in the years since they were discussed here, it is good to know that yourself and others here have put together this key data which gives us perspective on them. The assembled examples and links are great also. Much appreciated. Kronckew, thank you as well for the input and insight. As you point out, there are basic similarities with some of these other daggers, but though compelling, nothing we can assert with any certainty. It seems in things I have found, the examples which have that rounded choil (aka Meditteranean notch) at the blade back seem to be often identified as Canary Islands. Actually, what little I know on knives, especially of these kinds, I thought this was more a utility knife. It does seem these were quite deadly in the hands of these Chilean fighters, and it is fascinating to learn more on their history.