Probably Spanish, of distinct Mediterranean style with one piece horn case/grip with old black inked collection number, 4 3/8” blade with stepped dropped point, shows distinct wrought iron lamination. The axel with a suspension loop and neck chain. Sailors wore trousers without pockets. This knife would have been worn on the neck chain, tucked into the blouse. Ordinary sailors, a large number of which were impressed, were not allowed knives with points, but that didn’t apply to pirates. This example is distinguished by its razor thin blade made for slashing in a knife fight, and completely different from a work knife. Wonderful age character with brown surface oxidation to the blade and chain.
