This beautifully detailed and rare Royal Navy officer’s dress dirk dates to the reign of King George III (1760-1820).
This dirk is believed to have been the property of Admiral Sir Roger Curtis 1st Baronet, GCB. (1746-1816), a hero of the “Great Siege of Gibraltar” during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and of the “Glorious First of June,” in 1794, the first and largest fleet action against the first French Republic during French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802).
The 223mm double-edged stiletto blade has a flattened diamond cross section and narrow needle-like spear point. The blade is in fair to good condition with scattered, shallow pitting along its length and sharpening wear to the point.
The turned ivory hilt is in excellent condition with a great colour and inlaid silver decoration forming a fouled anchor on one side and the initials R.C. on the other. The gilded brass mounts, comprising an intricately detailed cushion guard, bolster and cushion pommel are in excellent condition, retaining their original gilding. There is some small movement in the dish guard.
The dirk is complete with its original gilded brass scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is lined inside with leather and is in excellent condition. The dirk sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
