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Title Naval dirk
Nationality British
Period c 1770
Price £475.00

These dirks would have been carried by Royal Navy as well as merchant marine officers, even, rather more rarely, by army officers. This classic dirk has a whalebone haft (which, at first glance, might appear to be of walrus ivory, but on closer inspection is definitely whale bone) and iron mounts. The style of hilt, pommel and grip dates it.

The blade is nearly 16" long with a strong diamond-section shape, almost certainly made from a shortened sword blade. The hilt is a little loose with age, but could easily be tightened up with a small piece of clock spring or some such.

The traditional construction of the blade (in two pieces: iron tang and steel blade) shows up very clearly as the iron 'sandwich' has aged in a different way to the steel blade. When the smith put blade and tang together the tang would have been red hot and the steel blade enclosed in the iron 'sandwich'.

There is medium grey patina all over the iron guard and mounts. The point has been re-profiled at some stage, perhaps in its working life.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Dirks : British : 18th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Just picked up the bayonet,

I'm very pleased with it.

P E, UK, 11.10.2012

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