Late 18th century-1800. Rare variant of the type made in Albacete. 6 3/4" medially ridged elongated leaf shaped blade with tapered ricasso.  Brass cross guard and barrel form bone grip with brass band inlays (one lacking) flanked by conical brass mounts. See Armas Blancas en España, Rubio pl.11 right for a conventional example of the type. This example is the only one with a blade of its type and is balanced for throwing. Highly regarded and used throughout Spain, these are particularly associated with Basque Resistance during Spain’s alliance with Napoleon, 1803-08. As they operated clandestinely, a throwing knife would be the perfect weapon in skilled hands.