I purchased this dagger about 12 years ago in Warsaw thinking it was an Imperial Russian Dagger. Today, a great Russian helped me research it (and he is still researching it), and we believe it is from Finland and that it commemorates the emancipation of the Finnish Government in 1811 by Tsar Alexander and was issued on the 100 year anniversary. The pommel has the double headed Eagle instead of the Tsars monogram.

Here is the pommel, has anyone seen similar pommels?

The Coat of Arms on the etched blade is that of Finland.

The other etch I believe is the monogram for Alexander, but that could be wishfull thinking. Any guesses. This is also where we see the dates 1811 and 1911.

Finaly, the makers mark. We have yet to identify the maker.

After more research it appears the symbol with the dates is for the 9th Finland Rifle Regiment.

Their badge is exactly the same as the etch. also, the monogram is a combination of both Albert and Nicholas.

Unfortunately the Russian web site with the badge does not allow the use of their images.

Jim

Great dagger Jim
The Monograms are of the Alexander I and Nicolas II

I'm confused.
Finland became part of Russia in 1809, not 1811.


Best regards,

By the way, maker looks like:
"A. Kordaschevj"

Best regards,

Hi Trigger,

You are correct. The actual date of transfer was in 1809. However, in 1811, Alexander signed what amounted to an emancipation proclamation related to their governing themselves.

This is what we first thought the dates represent. However, we now know that it is on the coat of arms of the 9th regiment.

I am open to all theories about how this all fits.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Trigger:
By the way, maker looks like:
"A. Kordaschevj"

Best regards,

Yes it is, however, none of the books on russian edged weapons has this maker