Strange dirk.

alex8765 · 24th February 2020, 08:11 PM

Hi gents,
Please help me to identify this small dirk. There is a maker's mark on the crossguard that I cannot identify.
The mark looks like: THOMPSON LATE HOLMES ?

M ELEY · 24th February 2020, 10:01 PM

Sorry, don't recognize the maker. This is a so-called 'gambler's dirk', made popular in the 1850's-early 1900's period in N America. Many were made here, but also many manufactured in the UK for export here. The horn checker-patterned grips are classic for these pieces. Frequently hidden in a boot or, for the 'soiled doves' (i.e. Dance hall ladies), stashed in a garter for quick access if set upon by an aggressive customer.

Here's one with an ivory grip-

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...ers-1801728987

alex8765 · 25th February 2020, 02:33 PM

Thanks.

kronckew · 25th February 2020, 04:01 PM

grip looks a lot like mine, what's the blade length?

Mine is here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24996

19cm blade, checkered gutta percha grip

alex8765 · 25th February 2020, 10:33 PM

The blade length is 16 cm.

M ELEY · 26th February 2020, 01:57 AM

A nice easily concealable blade. Wayne's post also offers more of the colorful uses of these type dirks by the 'painted ladies'. Pretty nice find and an interesting history to bat!

alex8765 · 26th February 2020, 02:34 PM

Yes, very good post.

Hombre · 26th February 2020, 04:14 PM

Very interesting, guys! Thanks for posting!

Best,
Stefan

24th February 2020, 08:11 PM	#1
alex8765 Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: NYC Posts: 63	Strange dirk. Hi gents, Please help me to identify this small dirk. There is a maker's mark on the crossguard that I cannot identify. The mark looks like: THOMPSON LATE HOLMES ? Attached Images

24th February 2020, 10:01 PM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,096	Sorry, don't recognize the maker. This is a so-called 'gambler's dirk', made popular in the 1850's-early 1900's period in N America. Many were made here, but also many manufactured in the UK for export here. The horn checker-patterned grips are classic for these pieces. Frequently hidden in a boot or, for the 'soiled doves' (i.e. Dance hall ladies), stashed in a garter for quick access if set upon by an aggressive customer. Here's one with an ivory grip- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...ers-1801728987 Last edited by M ELEY; 24th February 2020 at 10:12 PM.

25th February 2020, 04:01 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	grip looks a lot like mine, what's the blade length? Mine is here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24996 19cm blade, checkered gutta percha grip Attached Images

25th February 2020, 02:33 PM	#3
alex8765 Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: NYC Posts: 63	Thanks.

25th February 2020, 10:33 PM	#5
alex8765 Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: NYC Posts: 63	The blade length is 16 cm.

26th February 2020, 01:57 AM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,096	A nice easily concealable blade. Wayne's post also offers more of the colorful uses of these type dirks by the 'painted ladies'. Pretty nice find and an interesting history to bat!

26th February 2020, 02:34 PM	#7
alex8765 Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: NYC Posts: 63	Yes, very good post.

26th February 2020, 04:14 PM	#8
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Very interesting, guys! Thanks for posting! Best, Stefan