18 C. Unusual Italian Dagger

This fine dagger is Italian, late 18C. or a bit earlier. Single edged blade on its upper half and double edged on the lower part of the blade. The blade center is hollow, allowing room  for a thick needle connected to the handle. The grip is ribbed bone with brass mounts. The thick needle is of triangular cross section with an “eye” near the tip. It  can be unscrewed from the blade to allow its use.

Blade 4 1/2 inches. Total 8 1/2 inches. Very good condition

There are two opinions as for the use of this dagger. A seaman dagger for sawing sails, loosing nets and other deck activities, or A hunting knife for the “coup de grace” to the hunted animal and to needle saw the open body for the grilling.