Former Bayonet

[RobT]

Fernando K,

Thanks for the information. Based on the statements in the article by Abel Domenech (http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/facon/criollo.html), I was wondering if this may actually be a Caronero. The blade on my knife measures 18-3/8" long. The two things that really puzzle me are the hilt and sheath coverings and their intact condition. I have never seen pictures of any facon with reptile skin and basket weaving on the hilt and sheath. Nor have I ever seen any pictures of a facon with what appears to be some type of lanyard loop on the hilt. Does the presence of these items point to a specific area of origin? It appears to me that the coverings were certainly made either for or by a person who held the knife in great personal esteem and used it as part of his daily life. Since, according to the Domenech article, the gauchos pretty much disappeared by 1880-1890, the condition of the 100+ hilt and sheath are remarkable.

Sincerely,
RobT