16TH-17TH CENTURY PIRATE'S/SAILOR'S FOLDING KNIFE

The period of the Spanish treasure ships. Spanish form with dramatic clipped point. Small example, just over 5 1/8” (5.12”) total length. The base pierced for an axle with suspension ring intact. Thin wedge section blade identifying it as a weapon and not a work knife. Sailors of the period were prohibited from owning knives with points to prevent fights and mutinies. This example belonged to a pirate who was a free man among a band of equals. Sound excavated condition with good profile. Florida find purchased in a Fort Myers dive shop about 1980.