This scarce Georgian naval dirk was made around 1770 and is featured in the books “Swords for Sea Service” by Annis & May.
The 210mm double-edged blade has a flattened diamond cross section giving it a raised medial ridge. The blade is sharp and terminates in a narrow spear point. The blade is very similar to those of the famous (170 year later) WW2 Fairbairn Sykes commando knife. This dirk was clearly intended for use as a weapon, as opposed to being purely for dress purposes.
The blade is in very good condition with only a few small patches of pale tarnish.
The square-section ivory grip has a cross piece shaped as the flukes of an anchor and is finished with a square cushion pommel. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The dirk is complete with its leather covered wooden scabbard with brass mounts and twin suspension rings. There is a small piece of leather missing from the front of the scabbard below the middle ring band. The scabbard is in overall very good condition.
This is a great example of a scarce early George III naval officer’s fighting dirk and is featured (plate 57 and text P. 239) in “Swords for Sea Service,” by Annis & May.
