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A Mid-Shipman's Dirk Commemorating The Battle Of The Nile image 1

A Mid-Shipman's Dirk Commemorating The Battle Of The Nile image 2

Lot 39^Ф,Y

A Mid-Shipman's Dirk Commemorating The Battle Of The Nile
By John Gill, Early 19th Century

Antique Arms and Armour Including The Ray Wilkinson Collection

24 May 2023, 10:30 BST

London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £2,304 inc. premium

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A Mid-Shipman's Dirk Commemorating The Battle Of The Nile
By John Gill, Early 19th Century

With broad curved blade (old pitting) retaining some original polish and double-edged towards the point, etched and gilt against the remains of a blued ground over two thirds of its length on one side with the maker's name in an oval and the figure of Britannia between foliage, and along the other with a classical martial trophy between a wreath of laurel and foliage, ormolu-mounted hilt comprising side-guard cast, pierced and chased with a crocodile, recurved lobed quillons, one (the other missing) retaining the remains of the knuckle-chain, pommel formed in the round as a crocodile-head, and ivory grip bound with twisted copper wire, in its original leather scabbard (old damage) with linear engraved ormolu mounts (one suspension ring missing), and retaining much of its original gilding
31.7 cm. blade

Footnotes

On the night of 3 August 1798 two days after the Battle of the Nile, the captains of the fleet met abroad the Orion and inaugurated the 'Egyptian Club'. A document was drawn up, and signed by all present, inviting Nelson to accept the gift of a sword and to have his portrait painted. This dirk was almost certainly acquired by a mid-shipman who served during the Battle of the Nile as a memento of that great event. For more information see Commander W.R. May & P.G. Annis, Swords for Sea Service, Volume One, 1970, pp. 55-57

By 1806 Thomas and John Gill, Sword and Gun Manufacturers', were established at 83 St. James's Street, and Birmingham. Gill is last recorded at the St. James's Street address in May 1816. John, who appears to have been responsible for the Birmingham operations, is recorded until his death in 1817. His widow Elizabeth carried on the business until her own death in 1835. See Leslie Southwick, London Silver-hilted Swords..., 2001, pp. 116-118

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Ф	Item contains or is made of ivory
	This lot contains or is made of ivory and cannot be imported into the USA or any country within the EU.
Y	CITES
	Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the UK, see clause 13.

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A Mid-Shipman's Dirk Commemorating The Battle Of The NileBy John Gill, Early 19th Century

Footnotes

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