Old mummified animal foot knife

[abroomeq]

I found this knife in the basement of the house we bought. I know nothing about knives but I'd hate to throw away something of interest. I apologise in advance if this is the wrong place to ask, but I had to start my search somewhere.

There are words on the blade:
TruLine 16
STAH---- (unintelligible)
SOLINGEN
GERMANY

The handle is made from (as far as I can tell) a real animals foot. It appears to be a small hoofed foot with two extra dangly toes higher up. There is some kind of resin, seal, or plaster over most of the foot.

Here are some photos:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3890777670_6bda8cd1c8_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3889985761_769c00b937_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3890779886_70e65d9295_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3889986483_a518f46ccb_b.jpg

Thank you for any information you may have. I know that Solingen is a famous knife manufacturing region of Germany, but that's about all I know.

There is no sheath with it.

 

[jill jackson]

That's a deer hoof handle and I doubt it's worth much because they are common and not so expensive to buy new.

 

[tltt]

It's a deer hoof hunting knife that was and is popular in Germany. Many were exported to the U.S. and the rest of the World. Judging from the markings, yours looks to be circa 1950's-60's, imported by one of the many small import firms that were in the U.S. at the time.

The value is small, based both on condition and want, $10 give or take at bit.

 

[abroomeq]

Thank you for your time and information. A deer hoof knife from the 50's or 60's, how interesting. It seems macabre to me and I cannot fathom why anyone would want one, but there you go.

Thanks again.