In overall VGC, a WW1 British Royal Naval Officer’s Presentation Dirk to Sidney Boucher
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The fine presentation blade etched “Chief Cadet Captain’s Award Sidney Boucher R.N. College Dartmouth 31st March 1915”. “Sam” (as he was most widely known) had an illustrious Royal Navy career, serving on the Dreadnought Battleship HMS Colossus of the British Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, he played First Class Cricket for Kent & Royal Navy from 1922-1929 (he was Navy Cricket Captain and former Secretary & Team Selector of the RN and RM Football Association), served throughout WW2 as a Commanding Officer, then Chief Staff Officer and Flag Captain, and became Naval Aides-de-Camp to King George VI after the war.
Etched to “Gieves, Matthews & Seagrove Ltd London Portsmouth & Devonport” at the ricasso / forte, Wilkinson Sword used to make the dirks and swords for Gieves, a large, quality, well know and respected Royal Naval outfitters / retailers.
The 17 3/4 inch blade is exceptionally well etched blade with George V royal cypher to the obverse of the presentation etching side is firm in the hilt. The hilt is good condition. The fishskin grip a little age darkened is good; the associated twisted grip wire bindings also good but a couple of lessor strands a tiny bit wayward a couple of turns. The leather and brass scabbard is aged and has some kinking, plus the leather has shrunk from dryness (which is why the blade condition is so good) and probably has been on display dirk and scabbard separate as the dirk does not full sheath due to the scabbard leather being tight.
An amazing RN presentation dirk, the former property of an accomplished officer. Well worth was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH61. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1821-69x14x12 (1.022)