Unusual curved naval dirk for ID
 

Not seen one like this before, possibly eastern, presumably one of the retailer/outfitter sold pieces for dress occasions?
Condition isn't perfect but all parts appear to be original. Strange shaped guard isn't broken, just has a strange 'quarter' knuckle bow.
No markings apart from the cast emblem on the guard.
Any thoughts?

Everybody Stumped?

Not my area really - but the sheath looks odd, isn't that type of drag to the end for a much longer sword ?

Looks a bit made up to my uneducated eye, or could it be a type of "society" sword ?

Regards.

looks vaguely french imperial to me. young midshipmans private purchase?

scabbard looks incomplete, leather/wood lining missing? throat also.

Hi Colin,

Thanks for the input. I hadn't thought society I must say.
However, although the type is unfamiliar the general shape and 'elements' all say naval dirk to me.
:shrug:

Best
Gene

Hi mate,
Scabbard is also missing one suspension loop and mount.
I thought private purchase. Hopefully someone will recognise it. French would be good.
Best
Gene

Did other nations use the lion motif on Dirks?
Anyone recognise the laurels and flags?

Surely someone recognises it?

IMHO, I think this sword has a damaged and repaired hilt. Even though it appears that the guard was made that way, I think it was broken long ago and left as is with the remaining guard as such. I've seen this hilt form before and it would have a reverse P type knuckle bow. The pommel appears to be a replacement. Not so sure about the guard. The blade looks good/original. I don't recognize the emblem, but cast brass emblems of this type found on all sorts of early-mid 19th c. blades, which I believe yours is. I don't think this one was dress/fraternal, but a re-worked piece. Because the repair was done contemporary with its use, I could see that this might have been a side-knife. If it's naval (?), I'm not familiar with the form per say. It would have to be a merchant/private purchase/put-together side arm for a sailor...

I saw this Sword, and its a made up piece of parts.

My two cents worth i think the scabbard was from a sword and cut down to suit
Cheers Rex

Hi Patrick

It doesn't appear to be, can you provide some evidence of the origins of these 'parts'?

Regards
Gene

The two suspension points show that the scabbard although damaged is original size and shape. It's not a cut down for sure.

Best
Gene

I honestly don't know. Can you find any pics?
Anythings possible, it's an oddity for sure.

Here's a shot to show the size with an 1845 for scale.

Best
Gene

Hi Eugene

No Im afraid I cant provide any reference, but then I guess that seems to be the problem with it.

I would have thought that the Grip would have had a Ferrule which leads me to think its not for this Sword.

The overall look of it made me to think it was a marriage when I examined it before you acquired it.

However its only my opinion, hopefully someone will be able to pin it down with a bit of luck.

Hi Patrick,

That's a relief, your previous post made it sound like you knew something.
I'm in agreement with John on this one, a continental dirk sold by an outfitter.
Not 100% about the pommel, but the rest seems fine to me.
I agree that someone is bound to recognise it.... just a matter of being patient I guess.


Regards
Gene