Arms, Armour and Militaria

A unusual Georgian Midshipman's Dirk, the mounts of copper-gilt cross-guard in the form of a downturned anchor, now reversed, the flukes forming the quillons, pommel in the form of a lion's mask, tapering round ivory grip with two bands of fluting, the straight 22cm blade of flattened diamond section evidently adapted from a marlin spike, complete with its copper-gilt mounted black leather scabbard, the locket with single hanging ring, gilding worn overall, crossguard refixed £200-250

The anchor cross-guard appears to have been reversed from the original upright position, the rough workmanship might suggest a contemporary shipboard modification.