This Interesting Dirk Has Been Sold. Thank you! FRENCH FIRST EMPIRE TWISTED ROPE HORN HILT DIRK FIRST EMPIRE Ca 1814 Presented is a magnificently made, small French dirk dating from the First Empire (1795-1814), or the Restoration, (1814 - 1830). The blade is a typical design for this period, but with a novel twist (pun intended) to the hilt. The 4 1/4" dark brown horn grip is made in the form of a twisted rope with a thumb brace at the pommel end for stabbing which is a rather novel feature. The spiraled horn grip dates back in Europe to at least 1750, and there are many examples without the thumb rest. The dirk's quadrantal, four edged blade, is 4 11/16" long and 1/2" at its widest, and has a very sharp point. The metal work is burnished steel, and the workmanship is of the highest quality. It comes with a form fitting metal sheath with one suspension ring of equal quality. There are no marks. It is reported that weapons of this size and quality were given as gifts to persons held in high esteem DIMENSIONS: Length overall 9 1/4" in sheath Width of blade - max 1/2" Thickness 1/2" Hilt 4 1/2" x 3/4" W x 1/2" T Weight 3 1/2 oz Housed in scabbard with single suspension ring CONDITION: There are very few stains on the sheath. The blade has some discoloration where it joins the crossguard, and the crossguard has some discoloration. There is an age crack on one side of the ferrule. The horn hilt is in excellent condition with one small area of abrasion at the ferrule and two tiny pits, one on the second rope strand and one at the pommel thumb brace. Taken as a whole all of these are mentioned only for the sake of completeness, but are minor in nature, and the dirk is in excellent condition considering its age. Everything is tight. Pommel with thumb rest for forceful stabbing. Note small chip at edge Example of European hunting knife, Ca 1770 with twisted horn grip Close up of blade and grip FLAT RATE SHIPPING, PACKING and insurance to the 48 contiguous States, $15.00 OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within three days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing the laws covering the import of edged weapons into their countries. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED 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. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. Copyright 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved