Ineresting Dirk

Tim Simmons · 9th May 2012, 08:33 PM

Thank you. Here is the rub "quality" is fancy quality? I make all sorts of metal fittings for a great deal of objects and I have "issues" about design, taste, and concepts of "quality" perhaps I have been in the trade too long and have become a little jaded.

M ELEY · 10th May 2012, 11:29 AM

I see your point and please let me clarify. You are correct, as I meant to say
"fancy". Although 'fighting dirks' of course existed, many of those carried were dress (fancy, frilly affairs not meant for the boarding party). Likewise, even the simpler types usually had some decoration, be it ivory hilts, brass wire grip wrapping, defined pommels, crossguards that were more than what we see here. This is more of a trench dagger-type or blacksmith made piece (nothing wrong with that. I love the simpler types. such as plain cutlass, pikes, etc).

Tim Simmons · 13th May 2012, 12:55 PM

Looking in {British and Commonwealth Military Knives - Ron Flook} helpful and interesting book when it comes to this sort of thing. This can only be a private purchase ww1 knife. Without uploading pages and pages here are a few pictures that illustrate the variety and resouceful knives manufactures came up with in war time production. The knife made from the Gras bayonet was manufactured by W.W. Greener, they also made other knives using the Gras bayonet. Interesting knife with a similar brass guard made by Robins Dudley. Very similar bayonet blade and formed leather scabbard, suggested handle has been replaced. The fact that well known makers were converting bayonets and other sharp steel into trench and other fighting knives helps to explain why the example I show if of a high professional standard. The lack of marks is not unusual either.

M ELEY · 16th May 2012, 08:41 PM

Excellent work finally pinning this one down, Tim! As suspected, a nice example of trench knife. Well done!
Mark

thinreadline · 9th June 2012, 10:01 PM

Certainly a trench knife which has been made from a cut down Brown Bess bayonet blade .

13th May 2012, 12:55 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,854	Looking in {British and Commonwealth Military Knives - Ron Flook} helpful and interesting book when it comes to this sort of thing. This can only be a private purchase ww1 knife. Without uploading pages and pages here are a few pictures that illustrate the variety and resouceful knives manufactures came up with in war time production. The knife made from the Gras bayonet was manufactured by W.W. Greener, they also made other knives using the Gras bayonet. Interesting knife with a similar brass guard made by Robins Dudley. Very similar bayonet blade and formed leather scabbard, suggested handle has been replaced. The fact that well known makers were converting bayonets and other sharp steel into trench and other fighting knives helps to explain why the example I show if of a high professional standard. The lack of marks is not unusual either. Attached Images

9th May 2012, 08:33 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,854	Thank you. Here is the rub "quality" is fancy quality? I make all sorts of metal fittings for a great deal of objects and I have "issues" about design, taste, and concepts of "quality" perhaps I have been in the trade too long and have become a little jaded.

10th May 2012, 11:29 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,158	I see your point and please let me clarify. You are correct, as I meant to say "fancy". Although 'fighting dirks' of course existed, many of those carried were dress (fancy, frilly affairs not meant for the boarding party). Likewise, even the simpler types usually had some decoration, be it ivory hilts, brass wire grip wrapping, defined pommels, crossguards that were more than what we see here. This is more of a trench dagger-type or blacksmith made piece (nothing wrong with that. I love the simpler types. such as plain cutlass, pikes, etc).

16th May 2012, 08:41 PM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,158	Excellent work finally pinning this one down, Tim! As suspected, a nice example of trench knife. Well done! Mark

9th June 2012, 10:01 PM	#5
thinreadline Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Wirral Posts: 1,204	Certainly a trench knife which has been made from a cut down Brown Bess bayonet blade .