BRITISH 19th CEN. "LION POMMEL" NAVY / NAVAL DIRK, c/w BRASS 2 RING SCABBARD..

Description

This listing is for a beautiful, probably early 19th century (Napoleonic / War of 1812 era), British / English navy / midshipman's dirk. This example has a beautifully turned grip, which culminates on the pommel w/ a rather ferocious looking lion-faced pommel cap in solid gilt brass. The hilt is of the "five ball" variety, and also retains a goodly percentage of its gilded finish over the base brass material. The handle has wonderful turnings and is in excellent condition. The blade is adorned with an anchor, and crown on one side, whereas the other side exhibits as its central design of what appears to be a powder keg or early mine. The engraving is still quite strong, and the blade exhibits a mixture of original finish mixed with some areas of dark, smooth oxidation as you might expect for a piece of this age, and mostly near the tip. The blade exhibits no sharpening or other damage. Additionally, the original thin red cloth buffer pad is intact at the ricasso. This dirk is actually quite diminutive in size, measuring from blade tip to pommel cap only 11 3/4 inches out of its scabbard, and 12 1/4 inches sheathed. The blade itself measures 7 3/4 inches long. The brass sheath still retains some of its original gilding in the recesses and still retains both of its hanger rings. There are no dents, or other condition issues to speak of. From my limited research, it would appear that the straight bladed examples such as this tend to date earlier than the models with the curved blades, and as far as overall condition goes, this example would be hard to improve upon in my humble opinion.
If you're a collector of early 19th century period Nautical antiques, especially pieces from this time period and / or early British naval arms or edged weapons, this will surely make a very nice addition to any collection. It surfaced originally from the New England coastal area and is utterly fresh to the collectors market. Don't miss it!
Buyer is responsible for actual postage costs, to be tabulated at close of sale based on buyers location and method shipped* (**typically via USPS Priority Mail which will include insurance / signature confirmation fee.). Payment is due in full within 48 hours of buyers receipt of invoice, however please DO NOT REMIT PAYMENT PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF INVOICE. Massachusetts residents are responsible for remittance of state sales tax in the amount of 6.25% of the sale price unless a valid Ma. resale number and associated information is provided at checkout. Due to the nature of this item (edged weapon), sale is restricted to addresses within the United States only. Lastly, buyer must be at least 21 years of age to purchase. Thank you.