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Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London

Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London
Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London

Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk By Gill's of London

Napoleonic Royal Navy Midshipman's dirk made by Gill's of London. Typical good quality dirk, circa 1800s, with a fine two-tone bone grip, crafted to fit the hand, with darkened, lathed finishingst o the centre. Mercuric gilt brass pommel and lower crossguard, complete with its original chain.

The blade shows evidence of fine engraving.  A small leather buffer-pad still present. The scabbard in folded brass and mercuric gilt. Fine decoration  detailing flowers, flags & trophies. The reverse to the  Midshipman's dirk with cartouche bearing the maker's name 'Gill's Princes Street, Soho, London.' The scabbard complete with two suspension rings and bell end. Size: Overall length 28cm.

Condition report: The bone grip has a split to one side on the bone grip (unnoticeable on obverse or reverse). Two small splits to the bone on the reverse by the crossguard. The Blade with typical light discolouration from use. Approximately 90% of the original mercuric gilting present.

Note: 

Ranks in Nelson's Royal Navy: The rank of 'Midshipman' was invariably conferred to the sons of wealthy and/or aristocratic families, training to become commissioned officers. Midshipmen were recruited between the age of 12-14.

Dirks in Nelson's Royal Navy: The naval dirk was originally used as a boarding weapon and functional fighting dagger. It was worn by midshipmen and officers during the days of sail, gradually evolving into a ceremonial weapon and badge of office.

Source & Further Reading:

O'Brian, Patrick, Men-of-War: Life In Nelson's Navy, New York: W.W. Norton & Co. 1974, ISBN 0-393-0385-0 , p.35-37
Lewis, M: A Social History of The Royal Navy,1793-1815. London. Allen & Unwin 1960.

Price:

£ 2,250.00

Please click here to send an email about this item, or phone 00 44 (0) 1694 781354 to arrange or discuss purchase, quoting stock number: b001387

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