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Old 9th September 2017, 09:07 PM   #1
rickystl
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Default Old Spanish Knife

Hello All.
I'm somewhat a novice with blade identification, and it's not in my normal relm of collecting. But something attracted me to this knife. I believe it's either Spanish or from the Canary Islands. It has an overall length of 12.25", with a blade length of 7.25", and a false back edge of 4.75". The edge is still somewhat sharp, but dull from age. Appears to have seen normal usage.
It would seem difficult to age these knives (?). But this one does "look" old. Any guesses to origin and age would be most appreciated.
There is a similar knife on Oriental Arms website, item # 14083, although a much better specimen. But the similarities appear obvious.

Thanks for any help, and thanks for looking.

Rick
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Old 9th September 2017, 09:09 PM   #2
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ONE MORE SHOWING THE BACK EDGE. AND TWO AFTER A QUICK LIGHT OIL CLEANING. LOOKS ABOUT THE SAME LOL..........
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Old 10th September 2017, 11:10 AM   #3
corrado26
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I think this is a Spanish dagger made in the city of Albacete, http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16512
Nice Piece
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Old 10th September 2017, 06:00 PM   #4
fernando
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No doubr this is an Albacete cuchillo. Whether it is old is not so easy to say as to confirm its origin.
In INTRODUION AL ESTUDIO DE LA CUCHILLERIA ARTISTICA DE ALBACETE, de José Sanchez Ferrer, you will find similar examples, those being from the XVIII century, but regretfully your example is no so old, i am afraid. Looks like the handle was made of two parts and one of them might have been slightly turned, as the decoration doesn't match.


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Old 10th September 2017, 06:45 PM   #5
Jim McDougall
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Thank you guys for the spot on I.D.!!! What is best is that for those of us not especially well informed on these knives, the link and elaboration with notes really helps a lot. I had no idea what this was even seeing them many times, but in just two entries, the I.D. is sunk in!!!
Thank you!
Even if not old, nice example Ricky, thanks for sharing it.
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Old 16th September 2017, 04:37 PM   #6
rickystl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
Thank you guys for the spot on I.D.!!! What is best is that for those of us not especially well informed on these knives, the link and elaboration with notes really helps a lot. I had no idea what this was even seeing them many times, but in just two entries, the I.D. is sunk in!!!
Thank you!
Even if not old, nice example Ricky, thanks for sharing it.
Hi Jim.

Thanks for your coments. Yes, I too couldn't believe how fast I received a positive I.D. in just two posts. LOL Doesn't always happen that way. Just my good fortune in this instance.

Rick
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Old 10th September 2017, 07:03 PM   #7
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Hello Corrado and Fernando.

Thank you very much for the identification. Much appreciated. It's always nice to be able to make a positive ID. OK, so mine is not likely to be as old as I had hoped. LOL That will occassionaly happen. It seems with the evidence you present that this knife style was made for a fairly long period. They must have been popular. Yes, the handle cover is a two-piece brass affair. While the handle holds firm, the two brass pieces are slightly loose and will twist around. I can tell there is wood under the brass so I suspect wood shrinkage. The reason for the mis-match of the engraving.

Thanks again for the help.

Rick
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Old 10th September 2017, 08:35 PM   #8
fernando
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One more note should be added. This is the type of knife often confused with hunting (plug) bayonets, due to collectors misguidance caused by some well (?) intentioned sellers.
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