British Naval Officer's Blue & Gilt Dirk

Cathey · 7th May 2016, 06:14 AM

Hi Guys

Here’s an odd one. This Naval dirk has the most usual etched design I have come across, appears almost free mason. It’s larger than most of my dirks and I haven’t come across another example quite like it. I would be interested in anyone’s thoughts as to what this peculiar collection of symbols might mean.

Date: c1800
Overall Length: In Scabbard 20 ¾” 52.5 cm, Dirk Only 20” 50.8 cm
Blade length: 15 7/8” 40.3 cm
Blade widest point: 1” 2.5 cm
Hilt widest point: 2 ½” 6.4 cm
Inside grip length: 3 ½” 8.9 cm
Marks, etc: St Side Floral design, seeing eye, Sun, Moon & Stars, Scull & Cross bones over a coffin, Hand, Foot. Other side Floral design, Star, Maltese Cross, Sheep with Flag, Rooster, Sword.

Description
BRITISH OFFICER'S BLUE & GILT DOUBLE EDGE DIRK:16" blade retaining 70% blue & gilt finish; gilt brass hilt Lion's head pommel & with chips to carved ivory grip; fitted with original gilt brass chain; complete with gilt brass mounted leather scabbard. c.1800.

Any thoughts

Cheers Cathey & Rex

Norman McCormick · 7th May 2016, 11:49 AM

Hi Cathey,
The cockerel would suggest this is French rather than British.
Regards,
Norman.

Richard G · 10th May 2016, 02:40 PM

The 'sheep with flag' is the paschal lamb, or Lamb of God, a religous (Christian) symbol.
Sorry, if you already knew this.
Regards
richard

David · 10th May 2016, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard G

The 'sheep with flag' is the paschal lamb, or Lamb of God, a religous (Christian) symbol.
Sorry, if you already knew this.

This is true Richard, though given the other symbols (the skull & crossbones, sun, crescent moon & stars, radiant eye, hand & foot, etc.) i'd say there is a strong possibility that the lamb has a masonic implication.

fernando · 10th May 2016, 10:45 PM

I wouldn't think so, David but ...

David · 11th May 2016, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

I wouldn't think so, David but ...

What would you think then Fernando?

7th May 2016, 06:14 AM	#1
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 276	British Naval Officer's Blue & Gilt Dirk Hi Guys Here’s an odd one. This Naval dirk has the most usual etched design I have come across, appears almost free mason. It’s larger than most of my dirks and I haven’t come across another example quite like it. I would be interested in anyone’s thoughts as to what this peculiar collection of symbols might mean. Date: c1800 Overall Length: In Scabbard 20 ¾” 52.5 cm, Dirk Only 20” 50.8 cm Blade length: 15 7/8” 40.3 cm Blade widest point: 1” 2.5 cm Hilt widest point: 2 ½” 6.4 cm Inside grip length: 3 ½” 8.9 cm Marks, etc: St Side Floral design, seeing eye, Sun, Moon & Stars, Scull & Cross bones over a coffin, Hand, Foot. Other side Floral design, Star, Maltese Cross, Sheep with Flag, Rooster, Sword. Description BRITISH OFFICER'S BLUE & GILT DOUBLE EDGE DIRK:16" blade retaining 70% blue & gilt finish; gilt brass hilt Lion's head pommel & with chips to carved ivory grip; fitted with original gilt brass chain; complete with gilt brass mounted leather scabbard. c.1800. Any thoughts Cheers Cathey & Rex Attached Images

7th May 2016, 11:49 AM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,575	Hi Cathey, The cockerel would suggest this is French rather than British. Regards, Norman.

10th May 2016, 02:40 PM	#3
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 402	The 'sheep with flag' is the paschal lamb, or Lamb of God, a religous (Christian) symbol. Sorry, if you already knew this. Regards richard

10th May 2016, 10:45 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	I wouldn't think so, David but ...