19th century. Heavily gilt hilt modeled as a sea serpent with opened mouth and scaled body twisted around itself. Integral cross guard modeled as similar serpents. 6 1/4” diamond section blade with short ricasso. Maroon velvet covered scabbard with gilt mounts. Scabbard velvet worn on the edges, otherwise fine throughout with bright blade and lavish gold overlay intact, hilt and scabbard. The design is directly copied from a Brescian stiletto of C.1650 identifying this example to Northern Italy, the Lombardy Plane, probably Milan. It is said that the knife is the sword of the Italian people. This example is of size and design for knife fighting or a clandestine attack.