Dutch Naval Dirk. Comment and help

Atlantia · 25th September 2012, 08:33 PM

Hi all,
This one came to me through an intermediary from the original owners family in holland.
It is in super condition and appears to a protective coating on the blade (some very light varnish) also possibly on the scabbard and metal parts too.
I've had several things from this family collection and they are often varnished or heavily greased.
The vranish had protected it though.
Sadly the ivory hilt has one ugly age crack and one not so bad.
The pommel doesn't seem to screw off so I guess it's peened.
I've got a little piece of a broken antique ivory ornament that I could grind into dust to fill the crack but what to mix it with?
What would you guys do?
Anyone know anything about these dirks?
I was given a date of 1900, is that about right?
No maker or retailer etched onto the blade, the usual form of design starts immediately with no room for a cartouche.

laEspadaAncha · 25th September 2012, 10:42 PM

Hi Gene,

IMO the scabbard, peened pommel, and use of ivory on your M1888 naval cadet & midshipman's dagger are all consistent with a production date well before WWII, likely no later than WWI or slightly before (my best guess), and possibly from as early as the turn of the century... A nice example, even with the checking in the ivory...

Cheers,

Chris

Atlantia · 25th September 2012, 11:45 PM

Brilliant! Thanks Chris.
Noce to know that the timeframe I was given could be correct.

What would you do about that crack then?

Best
Gene

Dmitry · 26th September 2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantia

What would you do about that crack then?

Nothing. You will only make it worse, because you won't be able to match the color, finish and texture of the handle with whatever filler material you will use. A professional restorer should be consulted, although I would just leave it be.
Numbers on the guard indicate it was issued to a graduating cadet. It's a Model 1880. Imho your dirk dates comfortably into the 20th c.
Just a guess - the tulip at the ricasso may indicate Dutch manufacture as opposed to the German.

Henk · 26th September 2012, 06:43 PM

Sorry Dimitri, but i don't see a tulip. If it should indicate dutch manufacture a tulip looks different.

Dmitry · 26th September 2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henk

Sorry Dimitri, but i don't see a tulip. If it should indicate dutch manufacture a tulip looks different.

*

25th September 2012, 08:33 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Dutch Naval Dirk. Comment and help Hi all, This one came to me through an intermediary from the original owners family in holland. It is in super condition and appears to a protective coating on the blade (some very light varnish) also possibly on the scabbard and metal parts too. I've had several things from this family collection and they are often varnished or heavily greased. The vranish had protected it though. Sadly the ivory hilt has one ugly age crack and one not so bad. The pommel doesn't seem to screw off so I guess it's peened. I've got a little piece of a broken antique ivory ornament that I could grind into dust to fill the crack but what to mix it with? What would you guys do? Anyone know anything about these dirks? I was given a date of 1900, is that about right? No maker or retailer etched onto the blade, the usual form of design starts immediately with no room for a cartouche. Attached Images

25th September 2012, 10:42 PM	#2
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Hi Gene, IMO the scabbard, peened pommel, and use of ivory on your M1888 naval cadet & midshipman's dagger are all consistent with a production date well before WWII, likely no later than WWI or slightly before (my best guess), and possibly from as early as the turn of the century... A nice example, even with the checking in the ivory... Cheers, Chris

25th September 2012, 11:45 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Brilliant! Thanks Chris. Noce to know that the timeframe I was given could be correct. What would you do about that crack then? Best Gene

26th September 2012, 06:43 PM	#5
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Sorry Dimitri, but i don't see a tulip. If it should indicate dutch manufacture a tulip looks different.