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Old 10th March 2012, 01:16 PM   #1
Atlantia
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Default Unusual curved naval dirk for ID

Not seen one like this before, possibly eastern, presumably one of the retailer/outfitter sold pieces for dress occasions?
Condition isn't perfect but all parts appear to be original. Strange shaped guard isn't broken, just has a strange 'quarter' knuckle bow.
No markings apart from the cast emblem on the guard.
Any thoughts?
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Old 11th March 2012, 05:00 PM   #2
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Everybody Stumped?
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Old 11th March 2012, 05:31 PM   #3
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Not my area really - but the sheath looks odd, isn't that type of drag to the end for a much longer sword ?

Looks a bit made up to my uneducated eye, or could it be a type of "society" sword ?

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Old 11th March 2012, 08:20 PM   #4
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looks vaguely french imperial to me. young midshipmans private purchase?

scabbard looks incomplete, leather/wood lining missing? throat also.
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Old 11th March 2012, 11:38 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colin henshaw
Not my area really - but the sheath looks odd, isn't that type of drag to the end for a much longer sword ?

Looks a bit made up to my uneducated eye, or could it be a type of "society" sword ?

Regards.
Hi Colin,

Thanks for the input. I hadn't thought society I must say.
However, although the type is unfamiliar the general shape and 'elements' all say naval dirk to me.


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Old 11th March 2012, 11:46 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kronckew
looks vaguely french imperial to me. young midshipmans private purchase?

scabbard looks incomplete, leather/wood lining missing? throat also.
Hi mate,
Scabbard is also missing one suspension loop and mount.
I thought private purchase. Hopefully someone will recognise it. French would be good.
Best
Gene
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Old 12th March 2012, 12:06 AM   #7
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Did other nations use the lion motif on Dirks?
Anyone recognise the laurels and flags?
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Old 13th March 2012, 10:27 PM   #8
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Surely someone recognises it?
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Old 15th March 2012, 02:25 AM   #9
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IMHO, I think this sword has a damaged and repaired hilt. Even though it appears that the guard was made that way, I think it was broken long ago and left as is with the remaining guard as such. I've seen this hilt form before and it would have a reverse P type knuckle bow. The pommel appears to be a replacement. Not so sure about the guard. The blade looks good/original. I don't recognize the emblem, but cast brass emblems of this type found on all sorts of early-mid 19th c. blades, which I believe yours is. I don't think this one was dress/fraternal, but a re-worked piece. Because the repair was done contemporary with its use, I could see that this might have been a side-knife. If it's naval (?), I'm not familiar with the form per say. It would have to be a merchant/private purchase/put-together side arm for a sailor...
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Old 26th March 2012, 08:16 PM   #10
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I saw this Sword, and its a made up piece of parts.
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Old 26th March 2012, 09:49 PM   #11
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My two cents worth i think the scabbard was from a sword and cut down to suit
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Old 26th March 2012, 10:03 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by templarnight
I saw this Sword, and its a made up piece of parts.
Hi Patrick

It doesn't appear to be, can you provide some evidence of the origins of these 'parts'?

Regards
Gene

Last edited by Atlantia; 27th March 2012 at 10:21 AM.
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Old 26th March 2012, 10:09 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cathey
My two cents worth i think the scabbard was from a sword and cut down to suit
Cheers Rex
The two suspension points show that the scabbard although damaged is original size and shape. It's not a cut down for sure.

Best
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Old 26th March 2012, 10:24 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M ELEY
IMHO, I think this sword has a damaged and repaired hilt. Even though it appears that the guard was made that way, I think it was broken long ago and left as is with the remaining guard as such. I've seen this hilt form before and it would have a reverse P type knuckle bow. The pommel appears to be a replacement. Not so sure about the guard. The blade looks good/original. I don't recognize the emblem, but cast brass emblems of this type found on all sorts of early-mid 19th c. blades, which I believe yours is. I don't think this one was dress/fraternal, but a re-worked piece. Because the repair was done contemporary with its use, I could see that this might have been a side-knife. If it's naval (?), I'm not familiar with the form per say. It would have to be a merchant/private purchase/put-together side arm for a sailor...
I honestly don't know. Can you find any pics?
Anythings possible, it's an oddity for sure.

Here's a shot to show the size with an 1845 for scale.

Best
Gene
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Last edited by Atlantia; 26th March 2012 at 10:57 PM.
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Old 27th March 2012, 10:10 PM   #15
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Hi Eugene

No Im afraid I cant provide any reference, but then I guess that seems to be the problem with it.

I would have thought that the Grip would have had a Ferrule which leads me to think its not for this Sword.

The overall look of it made me to think it was a marriage when I examined it before you acquired it.

However its only my opinion, hopefully someone will be able to pin it down with a bit of luck.
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Old 28th March 2012, 01:13 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by templarnight
Hi Eugene

No Im afraid I cant provide any reference, but then I guess that seems to be the problem with it.

I would have thought that the Grip would have had a Ferrule which leads me to think its not for this Sword.

The overall look of it made me to think it was a marriage when I examined it before you acquired it.

However its only my opinion, hopefully someone will be able to pin it down with a bit of luck.
Hi Patrick,

That's a relief, your previous post made it sound like you knew something.
I'm in agreement with John on this one, a continental dirk sold by an outfitter.
Not 100% about the pommel, but the rest seems fine to me.
I agree that someone is bound to recognise it.... just a matter of being patient I guess.


Regards
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