18th/19thC Gaucho Knife.

Norman McCormick · 16th October 2010, 04:20 PM

Hi,
Picked up this morning what I believe to be an early Gaucho/Criollo knife. The form very closely resembles one pictured in the essay by Abel Domenech and labeled late 18thC Brazilian. The blade is stamped Merino & Co Rio De Aniero the J seems to be a mis-strike and appears as a dot. The tang is peened and the hilt is heavy maybe solid silver? There are no silver marks to denote maker, purity etc. Is Merino & Co a maker, retailer, silversmith? I would appreciate any opinions or insight you may have as to the origins/age etc of this lovely wee knife. Overall 10 inches blade 6 1/8 inches. Many thanks for all and any replies.
Regards,
Norman.

16th October 2010, 04:20 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	18th/19thC Gaucho/Criollo Knife. Hi, Picked up this morning what I believe to be an early Gaucho/Criollo knife. The form very closely resembles one pictured in the essay by Abel Domenech and labeled late 18thC Brazilian. The blade is stamped Merino & Co Rio De Aniero the J seems to be a mis-strike and appears as a dot. The tang is peened and the hilt is heavy maybe solid silver? There are no silver marks to denote maker, purity etc. Is Merino & Co a maker, retailer, silversmith? I would appreciate any opinions or insight you may have as to the origins/age etc of this lovely wee knife. Overall 10 inches blade 6 1/8 inches. Many thanks for all and any replies. Regards, Norman. Attached Images Last edited by Norman McCormick; 16th October 2010 at 10:15 PM.