Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly splendid demure British Royal Navy Midshipman’s Dirk, given upon entering the service at about ten to twelve years of age. The Midshipman trained for years before achieving his Lieutenancy after which his aim was always to become a Captain and take command of his own War Ship or Man-O-War.
The plain single fullered blade measures just 8″ in length, with its entire length being 12 1/2″ including scabbard. The mounts are all gilt brass with much gilt still remaining. The grip/hilt is of a highly polished dark horn or exotic dark wood. The scabbard is leather with three gilt brass mounts. Some loss to the gilding on the mounts however the oval cross guard and grip ferule immediately next to the cross guard would appear to have retained almost 100% of their gilding.
The property of a young gentleman, who would continue to carry a dirk throughout adulthood as a sign of his rank and position, so much more convenient of dragging around a great big sword to impress everybody. A charming Nelson period Dirk with its original scabbard. Ready to display!