In good condition, a Georgian / Napoleonic British Naval Officer’s Midshipman’s Dirk
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Circa 1800; maybe a midshipman’s but most likely a more senior officer’s dirk. The blade retains useful amounts of original blue and gilt etcching of naval trophies, etc. Most likely the blade was made in Solingen, as most pre-1800 and many post 1800 blades of this “flattened diamond” type were, with the “furniture” (fittings) crafted by an English cutler. Being a private officer purchase and the expense / difficulty of putting royal cyphers / coats of arms on such blades, plus the fact it was not regulated (mandated), it is only possible to identify it as British by the grip / hilt. Likely to be a Battle of Traflgar era Napoleonic British Royal Naval officer’s (or midshipman’s) dirk but could have been a merchant officer’s weapon.
The ivory submission reference (registration number) will be provided to the purchaser.
The 9 inch / 23cm blade is aged but good with some blue and gilt remaining; firm in the hilt and grip. The brass hilt (cross-shaped quillons with foliate ends and a grip ferrule) is good. The ivory grip has normal age related cracks (an ivory filler repair paste maybe a good idea), but is good. The brass basket weave design scabbard with two suspension rings is good. The dirk sheathes and draws well.
A truly lovely dirk at a lovely reasonable price; was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference ZY31. Further / full sized images available upon request. Tube 1855 37×8 (0.303).
