LOT OF 2: NAVAL FIGHTING DIRKS CIRCA 1795-1815.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022

Lot consists of 2 naval fighting dirks of the straight-bladed fighting style popular in the age of fighting sail, about 1795-1815. (A) Gently tapering single edged blade with narrow fuller along the back edge for two-thirds of its length, transitioning to double edge and spearpoint. Turned wood grip with silvered recurved flat guard, ferrule, mid-band, and pommel cap on turned pommel. Well made, likely American. CONDITION: Excellent. Some tarnish and wear to silver. Neatly peened tang. Blade smooth metal, brown, shallow freckling near the guard indicating transition point from iron tang to steel blade, and thus likely not a reused sword or hanger blade, but made for this weapon. (B) Double edge with narrow central fuller, narrow ricasso. Silvered flat guard with recurved disk finials, ferrule, and pommel cap with capstan finial. Reeded bone grip. CONDITION: Very good. Hairline visible on obverse grip; small chip reverse at ferrule. Pommel cap slightly loose. Both illustrated in "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary, and Early Federal Swords", Vol. I, pg. 354, as then in a Fells Point, Maryland, collection.

Name

Value

Blade Length

(A) 16" (B) 15 - 3/4"

Overall Length

(A) 20 - 1/2" (B) 20 - 3/4"

Paperwork

Book Excerpt