Hi Frank,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This knife is a type of Mexican Daga or Facón, often referred to as a "Daga Criolla" or "Daga de Charro". These knives are traditional fighting or ceremonial daggers with distinctive stylistic elements tied to Mexican and South American cowboy (charro or gaucho) culture. The iconography of the eagle with a serpent in its mouth strongly suggests a connection with Mexico, symbols that appear on the National flag and Coat of Arms of Mexico.

The handle guard is a closed knuckle bow, often seen in charro-style daggers. The end is shaped like an eagle's head, a common decorative motif. The blade has engraved designs and text, which is common in ceremonial or decorative blades. INSCRIPTION....

The guard and pommel appear to be cast metal, possibly nickel silver or steel, with decorative elements like the eagle; the grip itself is horn or bone, which is traditional in these types of knives. The broad blade, with a slight taper and clip point, is typical for decorative or presentation daggers. These daggers are not only utilitarian but also symbolic, often carried as part of traditional charro dress in parades, charreadas (Mexican rodeos), or cultural ceremonies The blade appears to be made of carbon steel, which is common for traditional Mexican dagas or facón-style knives. I can tell this from the dark patina and rust spots (the blade shows signs of oxidation and a darkened surface, which is characteristic of carbon steel as it reacts more readily with moisture and air compared to stainless steel). Carbon steel tends to hold etched or engraved designs better and more crisply, which fits with the decorative etching seen on this blade. Many traditional knives, especially from Mexico and South America, were historically made with carbon steel due to its durability and ease of sharpening.

When these knives come up for sale at auction, they usually sell for between $150 and $250.

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

An antique Mexican steel and horn Daga or Facón,
19th Century
With eagle-head pommel, the blade engraved "Hecho en DLB" (Made in / by DLB) and indistinct script.
13 inches overall length
CONDITION: This knife appears to be in good condition with some wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$150-250*
*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