Naval Dirk?

[Jim McDougall]

I agree with this being a fighting dirk as it is larger than sword blades of course, but notably larger than typical knives. With the profound connection of dirks to maritime themes it is natural to presume that distinction, however that cannot always be an exclusive definition. The weapons often used aboard vessels in various situations were often not specifically 'naval'.

I think the 'Spanish' feel noted may be well placed as this blade does seem to resemble the size and character of what are regarded as Central American dirks (Levine 1985) those these typically had an unusual finger ring in the hilt. 'That blade may indeed be quite old, perhaps even turn of the century or slightly earlier.

Knife fighting was a common matter among sailors and those situated in ports of call throughout the 'Spanish Main' , which of course remained alive and well long after the familiar 'Golden Age of Piracy' throughout the Caribbean, and especially the Gulf and colonies in Central and South American coastal regions. In the early 19th century there was a profusion of weapon styles that evolved using earlier blades and components in these Caribbean and coastal regions in the Americas.....and as always, piracy

As well known with the case of Jim Bowie, New Orleans was virtually a hot bed of knife fighting and dueling in the early 19th century, which while epitomized there, was actually prevalent as noted throughout the ports frequented by vessels of all sorts.

As always, weapons were often refurbished with the whims of the owner or as they changed hands. This may be the case here, and in accord with Marks assessment of the present hilting character.

[mgolab]

Thank you very much Jim for this analysis.

I am curious about the age of the blade. I have a few documented 18th century hunting swords and this blade seems to be of that age (18th century), if not older.

[Jim McDougall]

Very hard to tell from photos, and age from various conditions that it may have experienced lend to the degree and forms of corrosion. The original forte seems to remain, so if the blade was cut down and reprofiled hard to say. While this was often the case especially with broken blades, not always so.

The classic case for this has long been with the Scottish dirk. When the proscription of arms was levied on the Highlanders, the exception was they were allowed dirks for utility purposes. Many Highland broadswords were thus cut down and remounted into dirks, leading of course to the industry of producing these specifically.

My guess from photos shown it is likely late 18th c. possibly slightly earlier.
I have seen elliptical type blades with similar narrow forte c 1820s.

[mgolab]

Thanks again Jim.

Also, I wanted to mention that the seller told me that the piece originated in Florida. Who knows...but interesting to think of its history

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by mgolab

Thanks again Jim.

Also, I wanted to mention that the seller told me that the piece originated in Florida. Who knows...but interesting to think of its history

That would be understandable as the Spanish colonies in these southeast coastal regions of US had steady maritime interaction with the Caribbean and Central/South America. Few realize the dimensions involved in the diffusion of weapons in actuality or influences through these networks.

Fascinating weapon you have there, and all the better in its static dark condition......loaded with history!