19th Century Spanish Navaja Folding Fighting / Utility Knife With Sharp Scimitar Form Blade, Decorated Bone & Brass Scales. Sn 21541 Knives

19th Century Spanish Navaja Folding Fighting / Utility Knife With Sharp Scimitar Form Blade, Decorated Bone & Brass Scales. Sn 21540 - 21541

The Navaja is a traditional Spanish folding-blade fighting and utility knife. One of the oldest folding knife patterns still in production, the first true Navajas originated in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. In Spain, the term navaja is often used to generally describe all folding-blade knives. The etymology of the word navaja is derived from the Latin novacula, meaning razor, and the Andalusian knife known as the navaja is thought to have derived from the navaja de afeitar, or straight razor used for shaving. Like the straight razor, the navaja's blade folds into the handle when not in use. In Spain the navaja epitomized the concept of a defensive knife to be carried at all times on the person. The design is thought to have been first adopted by the working classes - mule drivers, teamsters, artisans, and sailors as well as by the majos, the "gentlemen of the lower class" of Andalusia. Its association with barateros, pícaros, jácaros and rufos (gamblers, rogues, ruffians, and thugs) comes from its frequent use as a weapon of the underworld, where it was often used to enforce the collection of gambling debts or to rob innocent victims. This example has the form and characteristics of those made in the 19th Century. The flamboyant razor sharp steel blade in scimitar form is 7 ½” in length and tapers to a pin sharp point. It has light staining consistent with age. The knife measures 16” overall length when open. The knife has Polished bone & brass section scales secured by brass pins and decorated with small inlaid studs. The scales are secure but do have areas of wear consistent with agell. Lower section of the hilt has a small brass lanyard ring. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21541 (drawers office)

£375.00