Pretty Old Handmade for ID Help and General Comment

[wlwhittier]

The fellow who sold this to me was certain the blade mark (I see O. S.) was C. S., signifying Confederate States (of America). I don't think so.
I don't believe it's a fighter, as the buckled strap might fatally delay deployment in time of need.

Well made sheath, showing five pin or awl holes (layout, or ??)...all the stitching looks like machine work to me.

The taper of the grip portion of the blade must indicate something significant, but I'm no 'smith so I'm just guessing (hoping?).

Also, why the uneven length of the grips?

Pretty primitive, but an attractive blade nonetheless.

9 ¾" overall; 5 ¼" blade X .183"; weight ~7 ¼ ounces (without sheath)

More pics next post. Thanks! wlw

 

[wlwhittier]

That's all of 'em.

 

[sheathmaker]

I see O S rather than C S also. I doubt any Confederate connection. I think the difference in Scale length could probably be attributed to a non skilled re-handle job. The sheath may or may not be original to the knife, but it is definitely machine sewn, which might be further evidence of no Confederate connection. The five awl holes? No real idea other than it may have been a mark for something preassembly and then the maker went another direction, and based on the crudeness of the work, just left and delivered as is.

Disclaimer. I am certainly not an expert and what you just read is my opinion only.

Paul

 

[braillediver]

Looks more like a beat up skinner.