Mint, A. Aragon, Oaxaca, Mexico dagger, from company started in 1750.

Description

The Aragon family started making knives in 1750, in the town of Oaxaca, Mexico.  The originator of these knives was making flexible steel swords when America was still an English colony.  The Aragon's made gorgeous, swords, bowies, lance heads, belt knives, throwing knives, machetes, bowies, and fighting dirks during their 270 year history.
Recipients of Aragon's outstanding cutlery expertise include the President of Mexico, the rebel leader Pancho Villa, and several United States presidents, beginning with President John F. Kennedy.   Aragon made swords to accompany Mexican General Santa Ana to his war against the Alamo during the War for Texas independence.  Aragon knives were proudly displayed at the St. Louis, 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition where they received a bronze metal.
This Aragon double edged dagger is exquisitely engraved on both sides, with ornate, geometric graphics.  The maker of the dagger, A. Aragon, has his name and date etched near the brass guard.  The maker's date is 6-13-79. The blade is etched with the inscription:  "
Me gusta dormir con luz aunque se apague la vela". Which translates: "
I like to sleep with light even if the candle goes out"
The original leather sheath on this Aragon dagger contains some of the finest leather tooling that I have seen,  extremely delicate and yet done in a manner which is to be envied by modern leather carvers, with its finely carved floral and fern figurals.   The handle on this dagger is made of various brass and red fiber spacers with the majority of the handle made up of sections of colored animal horn.
The tang extends through the knife and the pommel has a hole for attaching a lanyard.
This is a gorgeous knife,  crafted by a notably historic cutlery company with a 270 year history.