In good condition, a Matthews & Co of Portsmouth Victorian British Royal Navy Midshipman’s Dirk
Sorry, this item has been sold (NB: we do not divulge sold prices). However, we have a search facility to help you find more similar items. Plus a feature that allows you to enter your email and keywords (for what you are looking for) to be notified by email when anything comes in. Or you can simply browse the various categories. See the left hand navigation column.
Datable from 1887 when Matthews & Son became Matthews & Co, to 1901 when Queen Victoria died. This dirk was once owned by Edward James Brown, who served in the Royal Navy since 1916 as a Boy Artificer, making engineering officer in the 1930’s and was awarded the DSC while aboard HMS Beaufort (Hunt class destroyer) in WW2 (1941), which all is some time after 1901, so this dirk was either family sword or one he simply bought second hand to save money. Read about him here: Unit Histories
The 17 1/2 inch blade is well etched but has some rust pitting patches. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt in good condition. The white fishskin grip has plenty of boiler / engine room grime from his hands, and some of the twisted grip wire bindings strands are gone. The knot is good, no Victorian but 1930’s. The scabbard has some denting to the chape etc. befitting an engineering officer; it is a bit tight on the blade. The all weather bag likely 1930’s, is sound but aged with the leather surface cracking.
Interesting history huh? All yours for was £? (too late, now sold)! Please quote item reference ZY12. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1825-62x11x11 (0.934)
