Very rare presentation quality dagger of finest quality. 
Commemoration of 1860 battle of milazzo. Truly collectors grade.
The battle of milazzo was fought on 17�24 july 1860 between giuseppe garibaldi's volunteers and the troops of the kingdom of two sicilies at milazzo, sicily, then part of the kingdom of two sicilies. The main clash began on the morning of 20 july on an open field leading to the cape on which milazzo is located.
Fantastic quality dagger with gilded bronze figural hilt.
"memento mori" motif pommel. 
European, italian or french, circa 19th century. 
Finest quality, meticulous attention to small details. 
Stunning "european damascus" steel blade. 
Blade is etched on both sides in italian to commemorate battle of milazzo: "battaglia di milazzo" & "20. Iuglio 1860". 
Also etched with original owner monogram / initials. 
Original wooden scabbard with gilded brass mounts covered with original maroon color fabric.
   size:
About 12 3/8 in. (31.5 cm) long in sheath.
About 11 9/16 in. (29.4 cm) long out of sheath.   
Blade is about 7 7/8 in. (20 cm) long.
  condition: 
Very good original antique condition with expected handling marks, light honest wear and charming indication of age. 
Blade is in excellent antique condition with very (very!) Minor wear.
Significant wear to original gilding.
No play between blade and hilt. 
Old repair to the bottom part of scabbard (sheath) - last picture - don't affect functionality. 
Age wear to original maroon fabric on scabbard.