Hi Eleanor,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This appears to be a traditional Middle Eastern dagger, most likely a type known as a "Jambiya" (also spelled janbiya, khanjar, or kumya, depending on the region).

The handle has a faceted, angular pommel, often found in North African or Arabian Peninsula daggers. The shape suggests North African or Arabian Gulf influence — possibly from Oman, Yemen, or Saudi Arabia.

Silver is a comparatively pliable metal and while the scabbard to this may have silver parts, the blade on this is most likely steel.

I'm not noticing any distinguishing marks that would indicate that this was made by a master swordsman or edged weapons maker; related objects of comparable age are selling for the fair-market (for auction purposes and are akin to wholesale values) prices between $700 and $1,000 though if you're thinking of selling this I would suggest starting higher, around $1,200, so you don't undersell it.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Middle Eastern brass & steel or silver dagger and scabbard
probably 19th Century
With engraved and chased corresponding-shape sheath.
Overall length: 12-1/4 inches
CONDITION: With some wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited from father who received this as a gift in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s
$700-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia