The post-Civil War period of Western expansion and riverboats. 3 7/8” diamond section thrusting blade with remnants of blue to the forte. Scrolled guard and cutlery form iron grip. Matching scabbard. The hilt and scabbard with glossy gray patina, probably blued originally. A classic type as found in the saloons and gambling halls of the period and most usually identified as prostitute’s knives as most were mounted with mother of pearl or ivory grips. This example, of the same proportions, is about triple the weight from its iron grip, which added to the energy of the thrust when used.
