Italian Stiletto Dagger, Signed

This fairly large stiletto is from Italian origin,as indicated by the style of its hilt. It can be dated to the middle or second half of the 17th century, based on the shape of the blade and on the brass ferrules, which suggest it was manufactured around1630–1640 (prior to this period, ferrules were generally made of wire binding twisted in a crown shape called "turk's head").
This type of weapon was used to inflict narrow, deep wounds that were very difficult to treat at the time. The triangular-section of this blade was designed to pass through certain types of chain mail
BLADE: It is a thick blade that, after a short ricasso of 0.9 cm, the blade takes on a triangular cross-section with three hollow sides.
Along the ridge separating the two small faces, there is chisel work in the form of circular arcs.
On the main face, a deep fuller begins 2 cm from the hilt and continues to the tip. On the ricasso, there is a triple sickle-shaped punch mark. Inside the fuller is the inscription = +++ MAFFIO +PISTOIA + ME FECIT +++
I haven’t found much information about this sword maker. He is mentioned in Zygmunt S. Lenkiewicz’s book  “1000 Marks of European Blademakers” p. 56 with a vague date16th–17th century. The triple sickle-shaped hallmark corresponds well with th eone shown on the book.
Although Lenkiewicz assumes that Pistoia is the family name, and although the first name Maffio exists in Italy, one might also assume that this swordsmith was named Maffio and that he worked in the city of Pistoia...
Blade length = 24 cm, width at the ricasso 1.4cm, thickness at the ricasso 8.3 mm
GUARD : Rectangular center, from which extend two flattened quillons ending in animal-foot-shaped tips.
POMMEL: It is made of iron, consisting of a circular bulge followed by an elongated, twisted bulb. The blade tang is riveted directly to this pommel.
GRIP : It is made of dark wood, twisted, with small bone inlays, and a fine twisted iron wire binding in the hollows of the flutes. The ferrules are made of brass with a frieze decoration evoking flower corollas.
It is a beautiful object that feels pleasant to hold.
Shipping costs: €20 for France, €30 forWestern Europe
Ref OY-2652