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View Full Version : Unusual curved naval dirk for ID


Atlantia
10th March 2012, 01:16 PM
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?

Atlantia
11th March 2012, 05:00 PM
Everybody Stumped?

colin henshaw
11th March 2012, 05:31 PM
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.

kronckew
11th March 2012, 08:20 PM
looks vaguely french imperial to me. young midshipmans private purchase?

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

Atlantia
11th March 2012, 11:38 PM
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.

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

Atlantia
11th March 2012, 11:46 PM
looks vaguely french imperial to me. young midshipmans private purchase?

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

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

Atlantia
12th March 2012, 12:06 AM
Did other nations use the lion motif on Dirks?
Anyone recognise the laurels and flags?

Atlantia
13th March 2012, 10:27 PM
Surely someone recognises it?

M ELEY
15th March 2012, 02:25 AM
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...

templarnight
26th March 2012, 08:16 PM
I saw this Sword, and its a made up piece of parts.

Cathey
26th March 2012, 09:49 PM
My two cents worth i think the scabbard was from a sword and cut down to suit
Cheers Rex

Atlantia
26th March 2012, 10:03 PM
I saw this Sword, and its a made up piece of parts.

Hi Patrick

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

Regards
Gene

Atlantia
26th March 2012, 10:09 PM
My two cents worth i think the scabbard was from a sword and cut down to suit
Cheers Rex

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

Atlantia
26th March 2012, 10:24 PM
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
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