TUAREG ARM DAGGER OR ROBE DAGGER

19th century. 8 3/4” d.e. blade provincially forged with light chevron decoration to the forte. Broad iron ferrule. Flared terminal hilt with twisted leather grip and leather covered pommel. Leather scabbard, the face with thickened edges and tooled decoration. Broad triple banded arm loop. Sound with uniform aging as expected. Worn over the forearm and entirely concealed in the sleeve, it was usual for Tuareg men at rest to place their hands in their sleeves allowing instantaneous access to the dagger.