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SOLD SOLD (23/06) 19th Century Spanish Navaja Folding Fighting / Utility Knife With Razor Sharp Scimitar Form Blade, Decorated Polished Tortoiseshell, Ivory & Brass Section Scales. 19592 - 19592 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 and is large. The flamboyant, laser etched razor sharp steel blade *see images* in scimitar form is 15 ½ cm in length (34 ¾ cm overall) and tapers to a sharp point, It has light staining consistent with age. ‘Girodias’ and trademark is stamped to the cheek of the blade. The knife has Ivory and polished tortoiseshell *slight surface glaze* with figure on horseback with spear, brass insert insets and brass Section Scales. The brass sections have scalloped decoration. The top brass section has a small brass lanyard ring. All sections are secured by brass pins. The scales are secured by rivets. The price for this impressive fighting / utility knife includes UK delivery. 19592. (Drawers) £0.00
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