In good condition, the Victorian RN Officer’s Dirk of lost at sea Lieut A J Payne
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R.H.S. Case No. 33,717: At 10 a.m. on 13th October 1904, in the Cooks Straits, New Zealand, Lieutenant A. J. Payne, aged 32, and a seaman of H.M.S. Tauranga, were washed overboard during a gale, the sea being very rough. Able Seaman Charles Mansell, aged 28, went overboard with a line, but was unable to save him [Payne] and was got on board much exhausted.
Dirk etched at forte to “John Adams & Son, Outfitters, Devonport”. Engraved “A J Payne” to top locket of scabbard; this dirk would have been aboard H.M.S. Tauranga with, but obviously not on him, on that fateful day.
The 17 3/4 inch etched blade is in good condition, but with wear, age and now feint etching; firm in the hilt. The hilt is in good shape gnerally, the white fishskin grip is a tad grubby but good, the twisted grip wire bindings present (one turn only has a single strand remaining). The sword knot is tatty etc but sound. The leather and brass fittings scabbard is aged and worn with a kink, but still good for its age. The dirk sheathes and draws a little tightly. The scabbard locking pin is present on the hilt but the the securing flange is gone.
Sad story, great dirk, just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AJ34. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 3003 64 x 13 x 13 (1.194).
