Mid to late 19th c. garter dagger (this would have also been referred to as a “prostitute dagger” at the time). A piece like this would have been used by sex workers of the era for protection against men; either clipped to a garter or inside a boot. Signed on blade, “Alexander Sheffield” with “NY” on verso as well as on the leather sheath. We believe this would have been an item imported from England, where Sheffield knives were made, to NY, hence the NY emblem. Mother of pearl handle. This has seem some use, with lots of patina and dings and dents, as shown.
Dimensions [8.75” long x 2.4” across at widest point]
Mid to late 19th c. garter dagger (this would have also been referred to as a “prostitute dagger” at the time). A piece like this would have been used by sex workers of the era for protection against men; either clipped to a garter or inside a boot. Signed on blade, “Alexander Sheffield” with “NY” on verso as well as on the leather sheath. We believe this would have been an item imported from England, where Sheffield knives were made, to NY, hence the NY emblem. Mother of pearl handle. This has seem some use, with lots of patina and dings and dents, as shown.
Dimensions [8.75” long x 2.4” across at widest point]
