19th century. 12” tapered slightly curved blade with rudimentary false edge, chiseled in cabling and abstract shapes, alternately inlaid with engraved brass panels. Faceted iron bolster. Grip sheathed in brass engraved in motifs matching the blade. The pommel modeled as an abstract animal head. Brass with fine patina. Iron smooth with crisp decoration and light original tool finish. Used to penetrate mail armor during the period when Barbary pirates were raiding Mediterranean shipping and coastal towns, to capture Christian slaves.
