Rare variation of the stiletto which was found in the Caribbean and used for clandestine killing by robbers. 13 ¼” length with triangular blade and black japanned wood grip. At first glance, the blade appears to have been made from a smallsword, however, the fullers (concave grooves) follow the taper of the blade out to the point, and therefore was made as it survives here. With no cutting edge, it is strictly a thrusting weapon. Pirates and free seamen visiting ports such as New Orleans and Port Royal squandered their earnings in taverns and often fell victims to blackguards who killed them for their purses. Condition is uniform but for two small areas of isolated pitting indicating that it was in localized contact with something caustic, perhaps, buried with its owner
