Dagger ID?

[Mark McMorrow]

Hi All,

Came upon this yesterday. Excellent quality throughout. Any thoughts on region of origin?

[Mel H]

Has something of a Mediterranean look.

[Gene Wilkinson]

Slight variation on the norm, but it seems to be a Brazilian Faca-De-Ponta.

Edit: which is a traditional knife used by Gauchos but more infamously used by outlaws.
Somewhat uninspired name, it translates as 'pointed knife'.
There are variations in style. I 'think' the centrally placed handle is 'Faca De Ponta Espana'
But I'm not sure.

[Mark McMorrow]

Thanks Mel & Gene...

Interesting (and substantive) points. Mel, the catalog you referenced in your PM was compelling. Following up. Gene, along your line as regards the Brazilian origin - I’ve encountered a few of these Brazilian FDP’s over the years, and while I’d agree there are interesting similarities, there are also significant differences. Wish it had the scabbard... that would have been a big help.

[Eric Fairbanks]

While I have no insight into this dagger it is most interesting and seems to my untrained eye to be the product of multible influence. That ricasso is awesome, the grip and pommel non too shabby. I look forward to its origin. The pommel perhaps of Moorish influence? Eric

[Gene Wilkinson]

Hi Mark

I'm pretty convinced that it's a Brazillian gaucho knife.
Having a look back at some research I did on these (I have a couple and one is a very large 'bandit' style one), it's difficult to find contemporary pictures that show the knives while being suitable for inclusion here due to their graphic nature.
If you search 'lampaio' and click images you'll see lots of pictures of his 'merry band' wearing the things, but the clearest are the photos of them after the authorities caught up with them and displayed their heads with their equipment.
So some caution is advised: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampi%C3%A3o

Often they are seen with laterally banded hilts. It's said that this type of distinctive banding on the hilts of some of these daggers was inspired by the giant brazilian millipedes known as 'embuá' (lice snake).
Sometimes the types are sub-categorised within the umbrella of 'Faca de Ponta', with some being Faca....... and others Punal......

One of mine is about 2' long. Quite a knife!

[Gene Wilkinson]

http://lampiaoaceso.blogspot.com/201...ao-afiado.html

[Gene Wilkinson]

http://lampiaoaceso.blogspot.com/201...stentacao.html

[Mark McMorrow]

thanks Gene! That’s pretty conclusive!

[Eric Fairbanks]

Most excellent Gene and very interesting.