Circa 1800 Rare Nile Club British Royal Naval Officer's Dirk, sold

In well aged condition, a rare Nile Club British Royal Navy officer's dirk.

The Nile Club was an exclusive circle of British Royal Navy officers who were serving with Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson (later Lord Nelson) on one of the British ships at the Battle of the Nile (AKA Battle of Aboukir Bay / Bataille d'Aboukir) in 1798. These officers were entitled to wear a sword or dirk with a Nile Crocodile as part of the hilt. As many of these same officers went on to serve with Nelson in the ongoing Napoleonic wars, the officer who wore this dirk was very likely to also have been at the more famous later Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and again most likely would have been wearing this very dirk at that battle. The officer was probably a midshipman (junior officer) at the Battle of the Nile. He may well have been promoted by the time of the Battle of Trafalgar, but dirks were worn by senior and junior officers alike, so he would likely still be wearing this dirk with pride.

The 15 inch blade is well pitted and the point area a little weak, though generally the blade is sound and can be maintained as such. The blade is firm in the hilt. The hilt guard has suffered some damage, some bending and a couple of minor breaks. The ivory grip is badly damaged one side.

Still, try and find another at any price and you will know our price will only invoke crocodile tears. Please quote item reference I35. Full sized images available upon request.