August 18 & 19, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/19/2020
This dirk knife is unsigned, but bears the characteristics of those made in Sheffield, England at the time of the Civil War. The 5-1/2" double edged blade does not have a ricasso, and is etched in a panel, “John Smith, Lowell” – custom etchings of this type being a great rarity. The nickel silver cutlery style handle with foliate decorations is accompanied by an oval nickel silver guard. Overall length 9-1/2”. The original morocco leather sheath has a nickel silver tip and throat and is decorated with gold leaf. This knife is accompanied by historical data on John Smith and a history of the 30th and 59th Massachusetts regiments. A 37-year old laborer from Lowell, Massachusetts, Smith enlisted as a private on 9/25/1861 and was supposedly killed at the Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia 7/30/1864. CONDITION: The knife is in excellent condition with signs of light sharpening but still retaining much of its original polish, the sheath has only scatted scuffs.
Item Dimensions: Length: 9 - 1/2".