Unusual curved naval dirk for ID

Atlantia · 26th March 2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

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 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

templarnight · 27th March 2012, 10:10 PM

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.

Atlantia · 28th March 2012, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by templarnight

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

27th March 2012, 10:10 PM	#2
templarnight Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 87	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.