Code AW56
This dagger has thus far defied a definitive classification. Provisionally, I think the origin is Senegal circa early to mid-1800’s. The shape of the blade resembles a sanduku from The Philippines, and the hilt is barrel shaped in the style of the Spanish during the colonial era. The pommel and stacked disks resemble those on daggers found in Senegal and elsewhere in West Africa where the Spanish visited.
Here is the seller’s description:
"Beyond a narrower 0.4 inch (1.1 cm) long ricasso the 71⁄2 inch (19.1 cm) long blade continues straight before curving convexly along the edge and concavely along the spine. The blade is 0.12 inch (0.3 cm) thick through the flat faces beyond the thicker ricasso. One side of the blade has been marked with what appears to be the numeral '3' within a circle and with curves along the spine. This blade shows evidence of much use and rehoning along with patches of discoloration and minimal pitting, but remains in very serviceable condition. A brass guard and bolster start a hilt that is round in cross-section and widens towards the center and then tapers back down to a brass cap with a peened tang. The hilt appears to be composed of horn discs with brass spacers. Overall length is 12 inches (30.5 cm) with a weight of 5.05 ounces (143 grams). A wooden sheath is covered with black leather perforated on the display face with an array of brass eyelets under which is a layer of soiled red fabric. There is some scuffing of the leather particularly towards the tip. The knife inserts until the sides of the guard are covered by the leather such that the length is 14.2 inches (36 cm) with a weight of 8 ounces (227 grams). "
