AMERICAN PRIMITIVE KNIFE, CONNECTICUT

From a collection formed in the 1950’s and applied with a collection number and CONN find place note. 10 5/8” length with 5 1.2” medially ridged blade. Large hand carved waisted medial wood grip. A real enigma. This is a weapon with a cut and thrust blade showing no loss to sharpening yet the grip prohibits clandestine use. The workmanship and character of the grip suggest shipboard manufacture. Over the years, we have seen a few British officer’s swords with contorted grips custom made for owners with hands deformed in battle. It follows that this dagger may have been made for an owner with disabled hands. Such disabilities suffered from rope burns and entanglement, were common among seamen, especially whalers. While there’s insufficient information for accurate dating, the form and character suggest an 18th century origin.