Real dagger or letter opener?

[militage53]

Thought some of you could identify the item and the era it was made in. It is in very rough shape but it came from the estate of Lieutenant Colonel George Leslie Horsman who fought with Patton.

[Bob Hudson]

It's knife, not a letter opener, and to me it looks like something from North Africa.

 

[doyler]

To me it looks like the remains of an older english made or imported bowie/hunting knife.

[kriegsmodell]

To me it looks like the remains of an older english made or imported bowie/hunting knife.

 

 

Exactly, agreed.

[Terry K.]

To me it looks like the remains of an older english made or imported bowie/hunting knife.

Agreed. More like 1890's. Check and see if it is marked "Sterling"

[daniel griffin]

It is a typical British-made bowie knife produced for the American market in the 1850's-60's. The now worn blade would have been marked on the ricasso with the makers name.

[militage53]

Thanks for the help. It is in such bad shape that I can't make out any sterling marks but I think I did find England on the blade. There are some other letters below that but I can't make them out. Any idea of the value for the shape it is in?