Antique Silver and Gold Verijero Gaucho Knife - Blade Marked La Movediza - Ind Argentina c1900

Here on offer is a beautiful example of an ornate antique South American Verijero Gaucho Knife, with a handle and sheath made of 800 grade silver, with applied gold decorations, circa 1900.

These luxurious South American silver and gold embellished knives made their first appearances after the 1830/1840s, once the true local silversmith trade was established. In those early years, this type of costly knife was destined mainly for wealthy ranch and land owners, high ranking military or rich politicos and not for ordinary gauchos, who were usually very poor. However, the taste for flashy silver ornamented knives, horse headstalls and saddles quickly spread among gauchos and Indians, defining their most prized possessions and serving as symbols of power and rank. So, while both of these human types were usually very, very poor they tried by all means (including trade and robbery) to get some silver into their belongings.

This knife has a single edged pointed 3” steel blade, that is stamped on one side with the maker’s details:

La Movediza

Ind Argentina

The cast silver handle has an ornate floral pattern with applied gold flowers and leaves. On the reverse of the handle is a slanted plank ribbon section that could be engraved with the owner’s details. It is finished with a plain domed pommel

The sheath is also cast in 800 grade silver with a similar floral pattern, highlighted with gold embellishments.

The elaborate frog button is stamped with the word ARGENTINA and 800, denoting 800 grade silver.


The knife is in excellent undamaged condition, with just some light greying to the finish of the blade.

This is a beautiful little knife and rare to find in this size and was possibly made for a high ranking lady?

The knife has a 3” (7.7cm) long blade and is the whole knife is 5.75” (14.6cm) long.

Inserted in its sheath, its total length is 6.75” (17.2cm) and it weighs 60g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51745