Naval Dirk?

[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!