Mexican Knife
Dec 3, 2010 4:05:27 GMT
Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2010 4:05:27 GMT
Hi everyone, long time lurker, first time poster. I was recently talking with a friend, showing him my sword collection, when he took notice of one of my knives. He said it might be worth something, and should look into it. I've done some preliminary research, but I've found nothing of real value, nor are there any appraisers nearby for me to ask. So I come to you in my hour of need, hoping that you all may have some answers for me.
The knife in question I acquired in Mexico about ten years ago, from a little shop in Mexico City for five dollars. The knife blade is about a foot long, the pommel ending with an eagle head of crude make. The grip is made from wood, wood that look lacquered but has a smooth feel to it. The blade itself is sparsely covered in what I think is black rust that defies cleaning or polishing. Albeit, I haven't attempted to polish it in about five years, but it does nothing to remove this. On the blade itself is a pair of etchings, one on each side. The first states "Del tal padre tal hijo." meaning like father, like son. The other states "Barriga llena corazon contento." I don't know what this one means. The words are not actually etched into the blade, the area around the words is where the actual etching is. The etching edge is uneven, going in and out. The blade itself was at one time sharpened, and I have not been able to determine if the tang exists or not. A few experimental hits have not caused the blade to break in my hands nor has it damaged the now dull edge. What I wonder about with this is what the blade's purpose was. Would a ceremonial blade have such a crude pommel? Why is the hilt made out of wood?
Any insight into this matter will be greatly appreciated. I will have pictures available this weekend.
The knife in question I acquired in Mexico about ten years ago, from a little shop in Mexico City for five dollars. The knife blade is about a foot long, the pommel ending with an eagle head of crude make. The grip is made from wood, wood that look lacquered but has a smooth feel to it. The blade itself is sparsely covered in what I think is black rust that defies cleaning or polishing. Albeit, I haven't attempted to polish it in about five years, but it does nothing to remove this. On the blade itself is a pair of etchings, one on each side. The first states "Del tal padre tal hijo." meaning like father, like son. The other states "Barriga llena corazon contento." I don't know what this one means. The words are not actually etched into the blade, the area around the words is where the actual etching is. The etching edge is uneven, going in and out. The blade itself was at one time sharpened, and I have not been able to determine if the tang exists or not. A few experimental hits have not caused the blade to break in my hands nor has it damaged the now dull edge. What I wonder about with this is what the blade's purpose was. Would a ceremonial blade have such a crude pommel? Why is the hilt made out of wood?
Any insight into this matter will be greatly appreciated. I will have pictures available this weekend.