Arm Dagger from East Africa

Commonly  known as arm dagger as it was worn on the upper arms with the aid of the plaited leather loop. Blade pointing up and handle down to allow a fast withdraw  with the opposite hand. These type of daggers were spread over a wide geographical area, from South Egypt in the North,  Somaliland  in the east, South Sudan in the south and Chad in the west. Almost all tribes residing in this large part of Africa were using this daggers in a certain variant but all has the same general lines.

The arm dagger offered here is rather late, mid 20 C. but of good quality and very complete in good condition. Blade is beautifully forged, deadly sharp with a central rib. The handle is black wood with ivory separators and ivory pommel disk. Scabbard is tooled leather with reptile skin, probably crocodile skin. Thick arm loop composed of twisted leather strips.

Blade  6 inches. Total length 11 inches. very good condition, Minor repairs on the ivory separators.