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IMPORTANT U.S. NAVAL OFFICER'S SILVER DIRK 

 

Presented is a beautiful, high grade, Fighting dirk with a prominent Blue enamel pommel cap having a cartouche of intertwined USN initials. The triangular blade could have come from an English short sword or it may have been originally made as a dirk with the scabbard and blade dating to Ca 1790.  A typical Navy officers' dirk would normally be two edged, and have gold gilted hardware and a black leather sheath with gold mounts.  However, there were officer's of a high enough rank and deep enough pockets to have a weapon designed to their own specifications. This is probably how this elegant, but sturdy silver dirk came about when someone after the Civil War decided to have the USN pommel cap added to what might be a fancy cane's hilt married to the earlier blade. The end result is a composite so beautiful and natural looking that it must be seen to be fully appreciated.

The dirk is 19 1/8 inches overall without its sheath, and weighs 7 ounces. Other than for the USN, there are no other marks or imprints. The enamel work and style of the initials on the pommel is reminiscent of what is found on examples of US Navy silverware and dishes in the officer's Mess from about 1860 to 1903.

The unusual Celtic Knot cross guard tends to reinforce the English origin. The ebony hilt with silver studs aids the grip and the overall simple elegance of the  design. The two lines of fashion scribing on the ferrule and at the base of the pommel were made by machine and not engraved by hand. When housed, it is 20 1/4 inches long and 1 inch wide at the throat of the sheath. None of the silver is magnetic except for the ferrule which is close to the widest part of the iron tang. The point of balance is at the cross guard making it fit for fighting.

Blue enamel pommel cap with intertwined USN initials shown over Celtic Knot cross guard

THE BLADE:The sturdy, concave, triangular blade is 13 15/16 inches long and its overall length is 19 1/4 inches.  Almost all of ts Blue niter and gilding remain and have only dulled with age. The design consists of a geometric cross hatch pattern of gilt extending 5/8 inch along the three ricasso. On the obverse side which is 3/4 inches wide at the hilt, the design has a drum, horn and pike as important heraldic symbols. The rest are elements of flora that extend 8 3/4 inches from the Celtic Knot cross guard. The other two blades of the triangle are 1/2 inch wide. They start with the same geometric pattern at the ricasso, and when viewed along the center cutting edge, consist of four groups of swirls and curls in gold gilt. There is no pitting or spotting.

Showing various portions of the Blue niter and gilt triangular blade

 

THE LEATHER AND SILVER SHEATH: The leather of the sheath may not be original. It is in good condition with tight stitching, but it was bent 4 inches below the throat, and because of this, must be handled with care. The obverse silver throat band consist of a complicated design of vines and leaves with the face of Medusa centered. There is one suspension ring. The reverse has an engraving of a sunflower within flowing swirls. The silver chape at the pointed end is without ornamentation and does not match the quality of the throat band.

 

Various parts of the sheath from the throat band to the chape at the point - front and back

 

PROVENANCE: From a private collection of nautical antiques where it was acquired nineteen years ago. 

Showing the heraldic symbols of a drum, bugle and pike and the face of Medusa on the

A side and top view of the hilt showing the ebony grip and silver studs.

DIMENSIONS: 

 

Hilt   5 1/4" L x  1" diameter                  Cross guard 2" W

Length overall 20 1/4" in sheath          Blade  13 15/16" L x 1" W x 1/2" T for two panels

Weight   7 3/4  ounces

STANDARD FLAT RATE SHIPPING, INSURANCE & PACKING to 48 contiguous States, $60.00

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges within the continental United States are  included in this offer if the error is due to our fault.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Hebrides (Vanuatu), New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI, Vanuatu (New Hebrides) and the Eastern Caribbean

STANDARD FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different. 

 

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