January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This fine dirk measures 8-1/2" overall with a 4-5/8" tapered diamond section blade with long blued panels on each side with early gilt decoration. One side features stars, floral and foliate motifs and is inscribed "Liberty". The other inscribed "Draw me not without reason / Sheath me not without honour." Moroccan leather washer between blade and oval-shaped brass guard. Ivory grip with refined shell at the top in relief on both sides and a decorated brass ferrule at the base. The dirk is complete with its original brass sheath with stud on the front and traces of silver-plated finish. CONDITION: Very good, overall. Blade retains perhaps 85-90% original polished and blued surfaces. About 50% of gilt remains, the remainder thinned the silver. Some minor wear from sheath. Brass mounts retain a dark unpolished patina. Grip excellent with a few dark spots and a hairline age crack on one side. A very nice early 19th century Patriotic dirk.