An unusual horn- and marine-ivory-hilted dagger and scabbard, Caucasus or North West Persia, 18th-19th century

the broad straight blade with central groove decorated on both faces with damascened cartouches filled with foliate motifs, the hilt with horn and marine ivory grips secured by steel rivets, the ivory grip painted and heightened with gold with an intricate arabesque of lotus palmettes, scrolling tendrils and cloud-bands, the leather-covered wood scabbard with en suite painted decoration and silver lower chape, the upper mount of steel with gold damascening and a loop intended to attach the scabbard to a belt