This alehouse-style dagger was commissioned as part of a marriage proposal. The velvet basket liner conceals a hidden compartment where the engagement ring is secured. The dagger itself was given as gift, with the discovery of the hidden ring to follow. The black steel, green velvet and silver details of the etching, pommel screw and pommel nut were chosen to match the design of the engagement ring which was made in black gold with a large emerald and several small diamonds.

The dagger guard is based on an antique design featuring a love-knot pattern (which seemed appropriate) and a side ring filled with a pierced plate. The bars of the basket are decorated with etched details picked out in silver colored faux-gilding. The grip is black leather over PETG bound with steel wire. The basket liner/ring pouch is green velvet and attaches to a leather tab at one end of the grip and ties to the guard with green satin ribbon at the other.

The 12” blade is made of damascus steel, though I do not know what kind.

The scabbard is black leather over a flexible core with nickel silver and steel fittings.