Small knife = 30cm
Sheath = 25 cm
I recently aquired this unique looking knife. It's origin and age are unknown but it was purchased at an arms fair in Sydney, Australia in 1988.
It is a large decorated knife (36cm), with a smaller decorated knife (30cm) that can be hidden inside the handle. The end cap of the hilt can be opened with the press of a small button on the handle. It opens up to accomodate the smaller knife. It came with what appears to be the original leather sheath although there is no belt loop.
The blade has signs of wear, and appears to have originally been sharpened. It shows a natural patina and has some small rust spots. It appears to have been previously used but otherwise is in fair condition.
I have found a similar listing on Ebay for a knife with the same decorative pattern (it seems Islamic to me) that was being sold for around AU$7000 although I suspect this is a ridiculously inflated price. They claim that their similar knife is Persian in origin from the 1800's. I have included a photo of their knife for comparison.
I'm hoping someone out there can at least shed some light on it's possible age and origin and maybe even an estimate of its value.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/140701088500?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&autorefresh=true