This beautifully detailed and rare Royal Navy officer’s dress dirk dates to the reign of King George III 1760-1820, and the pommel of the bobbin-turned ivory hilt is carved in his likeness.
King George III reigned through a turbulent period of British and World history, the American Revolution (1765-1783), closely followed by the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), resulting in strong patriotic feelings amongst the British people and particularly the officers of his army and navy.
The 218mm double-edged stiletto blade has a thick, lenticular cross section and narrow needle-like spear point. The blade is in good condition with a dark, age patina and retains traces of blued and gilt decoration.
The turned ivory hilt is in excellent condition with a great colour and finely carved bust of King George III. The gilded brass mounts, comprising a turned circular, dish guard and grip collar are in very good condition, retaining their original gilding. There is some movement in the dish guard.
The dirk is complete with its original gilded brass scabbard with two suspension rings. The front of the scabbard is embellished with a trophy of arms, sunbursts and foliage. The scabbard is in excellent condition and the dirk sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within.
