I am posting to this forum in hopes of shedding some light on a recently acquired dagger.

I only know that the blade, tang and ring pommel are hand forged in one piece and are the only metal used in the dagger and sheath construction. The hilt was constructed in a rondel type composed of a cylindrical grip composed of leather and fabric with a covering of braided leather joining an upper and lower ring of wood covered with tightly shrunken leather. The sheath, also of wood, leather and fabric terminates in a leather covered knob matching the rings on the hilt.
If anyone can point me to any extant examples embodying these characteristics it would be greatly appreciated. See attached photo.

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I'll take a stab at it... looks like an African Arm Dagger... Sudan

http://www.google.com/search?q=african+arm+da...mp;bih=599

The scabbard "chape" makes me suspect west African, but I'm just guessing
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7144
[ Linked Image ]

Mandingo dagger, looks to be a nice one with a solid blade.

Great Mart, you have found my missing link. In the discription of the dagger they say "Very early example for these". Do you have any idea the time frame they might have in mind, maybe as early as 1300-1400 c.e., which would coincide with the Mandingoes establishment of the kingdom of Mali, the center of trade,wealth and learning of it's day in Africa.

Thanks

Robert Beck

Mr. Norman deserves the credit. Perhaps he has more knowledge on the subject? I'm clueless.

I'll bet a fairly thorough answer could be found over at the VikingSwords.com ethnographic arms and armor forum.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=2