South American Knives

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Looking at the second example that you posted, I'm struck by the long "ricasso" of what looks like an embellished brass collar. The appearance reminds me of a Spanish puñal from the late 18th/19th C . I've posted a picture of one from Ashoka Arts sold page, and another that I have..

Hi Ian,

Yes, there are similarities to the Spanish punals, for me a sign from where they spring from.
But looking at the handle, the foot of the scabbard and the scabbard clip I am very positive that it is indeed a Brazil knife. The feature of the brass covered or brass inlaid ricasso is also seen by the Brazil faca de pontas, see attached picture.

Best regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Ian,

Yes, there are similarities to the Spanish punals, for me a sign from where they spring from.
But looking at the handle, the foot of the scabbard and the scabbard clip I am very positive that it is indeed a Brazil knife. The feature of the brass covered or brass inlaid ricasso is also seen by the Brazil faca de pontas, see attached picture.

Best regards,
Detlef

Agree completely Detlef. Just referencing a possible progenitor for that very fine knife. Everything looks Brazilian in manufacture, as you say.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Just referencing a possible progenitor for that very fine knife.

Yes Ian, I also think that the progenitor is Mediterranean.
But the oldest form are the Venetian daggers IMVHO.

Attached picture shows from up to down:
1. dagger from Venezuela
2. from the Canary Island
3. from Albacete, Spain
4. from Corsica
sorry for the picture quality

Regards,
Detlef