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Old 25th August 2011, 09:22 AM   #1
colin henshaw
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Default Unusual dagger for I.D. and comment.

Hi

This strange dagger came recently with some ethnographic items I wanted.

The handle has an unusual triple bar type construction, one bar of which ends in a snake head. Length of dagger only is about 26cm. In fact it fits well in the hand and feels like a serious weapon, not a decoration piece. From the patina and wear to the scabbard, I would say it has been worn, probably on a belt for quite some time. Maybe a fighting knife of some sort, perhaps a one-off ?

Can anyone identify this piece ?

Thanks in advance.
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Old 25th August 2011, 10:41 AM   #2
Gavin Nugent
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Default Trench knife

A very nice example. I believe these are referred to a Nail knife from France.

You'll find the info in this link interesting, also with a similar snakes head pictured within.

http://plowshareforge.blogspot.com/2...nch-nails.html

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Old 25th August 2011, 11:03 AM   #3
kronckew
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yup, french nail knife, ww1, they made a lot of these out of the steel barbed wire support poles and/or large nails.

another (mine) :



more info in my post HERE in THIS THREAD
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Old 26th August 2011, 09:46 AM   #4
colin henshaw
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Thanks to Gav and kronckew - mystery solved !
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Old 26th August 2011, 10:22 AM   #5
TimW
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It is indeed a French army knife. There is a good book written on this topic: http://www.amazon.fr/couteaux-nos-so.../dp/2703001959 I have it at home and will have a look. If i find more info on the knife in question, I'll let you know. There were several makers / types around.

cheers


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