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Jim McDougall · 8th April 2006, 03:20 AM

I agree with Ariel, this appears to be an American Federal period dirk of about c. 1805-1815. The hilt eaglehead pommel very similar to American silver hilted hangers and officers swords of the period, and the chainguard is also typical. There were apparantly two principal schools of influence for these hilt forms, one in Baltimore and the other in the Philadelphia area, although certainly examples would not be confined only to those areas.
(see "The American Sword 1775-1945" by Harold L.Peterson, 1973, pp.31-51 for discussion on these hilt forms in chapter 'Eagle Head Pommels').
Very nice example, especially retaining its scabbard.
Best regards,
Jim

8th April 2006, 03:20 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	I agree with Ariel, this appears to be an American Federal period dirk of about c. 1805-1815. The hilt eaglehead pommel very similar to American silver hilted hangers and officers swords of the period, and the chainguard is also typical. There were apparantly two principal schools of influence for these hilt forms, one in Baltimore and the other in the Philadelphia area, although certainly examples would not be confined only to those areas. (see "The American Sword 1775-1945" by Harold L.Peterson, 1973, pp.31-51 for discussion on these hilt forms in chapter 'Eagle Head Pommels'). Very nice example, especially retaining its scabbard. Best regards, Jim