Spain. Antique Dagger Or Knife From Albacete. Circa 1850

Interesting and authentic antique Spanish dagger attributable to the traditional cutlery production of Albacete, datable to the mid-19th century, circa 1850. Weapons of this type formed part of everyday personal defensive equipment, reflecting a deeply rooted material culture in Spain during this period. The piece stands out for its balanced form, popular character, and the preservation of its original scabbard, a feature seldom encountered in examples of this typology.

The hilt is made of brass with applied bone grip panels, forming a robust and functional assembly of traditional aesthetic. The ornamental punched decoration and small metallic rivets add visual richness and attest to artisanal manufacture typical of specialized regional workshops. The overall silhouette corresponds to characteristic models of Spanish popular cutlery, conceived for practical use.

The blade, double-edged, triangular in section and sharply pointed, features incised geometric dot decoration, a relatively uncommon detail that enhances the aesthetic and collectible appeal of the piece. It also incorporates three functional perforations, typical of certain civilian dagger models of the period, associated with both structural and stylistic aspects within the Iberian cutlery tradition.

The dagger retains its original scabbard, covered in textile material with metal mounts, a particularly noteworthy circumstance given the fragility and frequent loss of such elements over time. The overall condition is very good, displaying a coherent patina and wear consistent with its age, without aggressive interventions.

Civilian daggers of this type represent an increasingly appreciated field of collecting due to their ethnographic, historical, and typological significance. Complete examples with original decoration and preserved scabbards are particularly scarce on today’s market.

A piece of strong historical character and visual appeal, representative of 19th-century Spanish cutlery tradition.

Measurements: 30.5 cm (12 in). Blade: 19.5 cm (7.7 in).

History of Albacete Daggers

During the 19th century, Albacete became one of Spain’s principal centres of cutlery production, inheriting artisanal traditions that dated back centuries. The manufacture of knives, folding knives, and daggers intended for civilian use constituted an essential economic activity, linked both to daily life and personal defense in rural and urban contexts.

Daggers of this tradition are characterized by functional construction, the use of accessible materials such as brass and bone, and the occasional presence of incised or punched decoration. The existence of perforations in the blade is documented in certain models, forming a distinctive typology within the Spanish cutlery repertoire.

Today, these weapons represent material testimonies of popular culture and 19th-century self-defense practices, and are highly valued by collectors interested in traditional European edged weapons.