This beautiful Royal Navy officer’s dirk dates to the turn of the 18th Century (circa 1800), during the reign of King George III (1760-1820).
The 206mm double-edged blade has a flattened diamond cross-section giving it a raised medial ridge on either side. The un-etched fighting blade is 20mm wide at the shoulder, tapering to a narrow spear point.
The hilt is marine ivory in excellent condition and engraved with zig-zag columns. The gilded pommel cap depicts either an eagle or phoenix with ropes, it may be a family crest. The gilt bolster is engraved with flowers and the oval guard is edged with a scallop design. All the gilding is present. There is some movement in the guard as is to be expected.
The leather scabbard is in great condition and the stitching is intact and tight. The gilt brass locket with single suspension ring and incised borders is engraved with a floral motif around what looks like a back to front L. This will have had meaning to the owner but has been lost to time. The gilt chape has incised borders and an acorn finial and is engraved with a flower.
This is a lovely Georgian officer's dress dirk dating to around 1800.
