A British naval officer's dirk
19th century
Narrow, unmarked 6 3/4 inch blade of diamond section. Gilt brass hilt comprising: guard with flat, flaring quillons, the tops molded with thistles; banded ferrule; mushroom-shaped pommel, the top molded in relief with a lion's mask. Turned ebonized wooden grip. Gilt brass-mounted black leather scabbard.
Condition: blade with dark patina and areas of light pitting. Hilt retains 50-60% gilt finish. Scabbard leather scuffed but sound, the mounts retaining much gilt finish.
See Illustration