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24th February 2020, 08:11 PM
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#1 |
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Posts: 63
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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 ? |
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24th February 2020, 10:01 PM
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#2 |
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,096
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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. |
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25th February 2020, 02:33 PM
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#3 |
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Posts: 63
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Thanks.
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25th February 2020, 04:01 PM
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#4 |
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,183
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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 |
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25th February 2020, 10:33 PM
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#5 |
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Posts: 63
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The blade length is 16 cm.
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26th February 2020, 01:57 AM
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#6 |
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,096
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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!
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