Mediterranean knife, unmarked silver mounts, French (c 1760)

Title	Mediterranean knife, unmarked silver mounts
Nationality	French
Period	c 1760

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This is the classic Mediterranean knife of the 18th century, carried by prosperous peasantry and landed gentry alike. At this point, in the 18th century, Savoy was part of Italy, large chunks of Savoy being ceded by Italy to France at the end of the wars with Austria under Napoleon III.

The blade is 11 inches long from the top of the horn grip to the point, quite the longest version of these knives I have come across, and of a singularly powerful hollow ground construction. Though perhaps designed as a hunting knife (for despatching wild boar etc), as a close combat weapon it can hardly be bettered. The false edge is some 5.75 inches long.

The grip is bound by four oval silver disks on each side, some of which have suffered somewhat over the years. The grips are slabs of cow horn and there is a silver filler running the entire length of the grip.

Sadly, there is no scabbard. The blade has some grey patination, where old rust has been removed, and there is some fine work on the back of the blade in the form of grooved surfaces.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Dirks : French : 18th Century]

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