This is a scarce 1856 pattern Victorian Royal Navy Midshipman’s dirk.
The 346 mm unfullered, single-edged blade has a flat spine narrowing to a double-edged spear point.
The blade is etched with foliate scrollwork and the royal cypher of Queen Victoria. The obverse of the blade is etched with similar foliate motifs and the crowned, fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The etching is worn and faint. The blade is free of rust and has small patches of cleaned pitting. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The lion head pommel is finely detailed and the lion’s mane extends the full length of the brass back strap. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the three strands of copper wire are intact and tight. The crosspiece retains its sprung push button in good working order although the tip of the locking catch is absent.
The dirk is complete with its original leather scabbard with gilt brass locket and chape. The locket with twin suspension rings on either side. The scabbard is in good condition. The stitching is intact and the scabbard is strong. The dirk sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a better than average example of a scarce mid-Victorian naval Midshipman’s dirk.
