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Old 28th March 2008, 04:00 AM   #24
M ELEY
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,072
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009- Two naval dirks. These types of dirks were carried by midshipmen in both the European and American navies from approximately 1750-1880's. Midshipmen could be as young as 8 years old(!!) up to adulthood. Many of these were signs of rank/decorative, but others were amde for the business of defending oneself if your ship was boarded or if you were storming another's ship. Lord Nelson himself used to use one in battle as a yound cadet.
Top dirk either French or American copying the French style. Plain cruciform guard, fluted black horn grip with flat guilded pommel cap. The blade is slightly edged, but has a wickedly sharp point. Wouldn't want to get gigged with this thing! Circa 1805-20's?
Bottom pic one of the classic patterns of British naval dirks seen (no specific patterns on these, but many copied a particular pattern). Fluted square ivory grip, up and down quillons and "pillow-form" pommel all guilded. Blade has a full cutting edge and false edge for half it's length.
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