Souvenir dagger that tested positive for some silver content

This souvenir dagger came from a large collection of knives and swords I had a few years ago. I thought I had sold them all and found this when I moved some things. The collection belonged to a reporter who traveled around the world in the late 1800s to about 1935. A couple of his swords had a note attached in his handwriting that read "grand tour".

Since this dagger was hidden and unwrapped for the past few years, it tarnished on the plain side. I just tested it and it was a very weak positive for silver content. Definitely not sterling. Any idea what type of metal this is? My guess is that it came from Turkey or some other middle eastern country. Any thoughts on origin? It's 11" long. Thank you.

 

Looks like a jambiya...

~Cheryl

 

Thank you. That is exactly what I thought it resembled but wanted other opinions since it isn't really an area I'm that familiar with.

 

Good thing it's not the scarier jaminya.


Yeah anudder baaad pun, sry can't help it.

 

Might look to Morocco for its origin...

~Cheryl

 

Lower grade siver is common with these knives. They may be found wherever the Beduin roam.

I have sold quite a few, the ones with the rhino horn handles fetch big money. Well, what I considered big money anyway, about $1000 on ebay to a Germancustomer with an arab name.

I'd contest the description as a souvenir, it may have been bought as such but is typical of knives made to be worn and used.

 

Thank you Cheryl and AF.

Cheryl - it does look closer to the Moroccan Koummya

AF, before seeing your post I was researching the souvenir pieces versus the real daggers. I was going to post again when I saw your post. The souvenir daggers are not decorated like this one. They seem to be very plain in comparison.