Napoleonic era naval dirk, English (c 1795)

Title	Napoleonic era naval dirk
Nationality	English
Period	c 1795

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Typical of the dirks carried by midshipmen on both sides in the Napoleonic Wars, I am pretty sure this is English, but it could just possibly be Dutch or even French. The use of the cannon barrel for a crossguard is unusual on English pieces, and the ferrule and top mount are facetted in an unusual manner, reminiscent of a pineapple.

The grip would appear to be ebony and the mounts have perhaps 20% or so of their remaining gilt on the hilt and rather less on the scabbard. There are two hairline cracks running halfway up the grip, easily filled with black boot heel, if desired.

The double-edged blade is just over 7" long and has a diamond cross section. It has what is undoubtedly its original leather scabbard with an old scar on the bottom half of the face. The scabbard leather would appear to be dark brown, but could have been stained black once upon a time. It has its original red cloth seating at the base of the blade, somewhat ragged and oil stained, but nonetheless clearly period. Otherwise it is in excellent shape.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Dirks : British : 18th Century]

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