FRENCH TWISTED ROPE HORN HILT DIRK Ca 1814

 

 

Presented is a magnificently made, small French dirk dating from the First Empire (1795-1814), or the Restoration, (1814 - 1830). The blade is a typical design for this period, but with a novel twist (pun intended) to the hilt. The 4 1/4" dark brown horn grip is made in the form of a twisted rope with a thumb brace at the pommel end for stabbing which is a rather novel feature. The spiraled horn grip dates back in Europe to at least 1750, and there are many examples without the thumb rest. The dirk's quadrantal, four edged blade, is 4 11/16" long and 1/2" at its widest, and has a very sharp point.  The metal work is burnished steel, and the workmanship is of the highest quality. It comes with a form fitting metal sheath with one suspension ring of equal quality. There are no marks.

It is reported that weapons of this size and quality were given as gifts to persons held in high esteem

DIMENSIONS:

 

Length overall 9 1/4" in sheath     Width of blade - max 1/2" Thickness 1/2" 

Hilt 4 1/2" x 3/4" W x 1/2" T           Weight 3 1/2 oz

Close-up of blade and twisted horn hilt. Note age crack in ferrule

CONDITION: Thereare very few stains on the sheath. The blade has some discoloration where it joins the crossguard, and the crossguard has some discoloration. There is an age crack on one side of the ferrule. The horn hilt is in excellent condition with one small area of abrasion at the ferrule and two tiny pits, one on the second rope strand and one at the pommel thumb brace. Taken as a whole all of these are mentioned only for the sake of completeness, but are minor in nature, and the dirk is in excellent condition considering its age. Everything is tight.

 

Interesting pommel with thumb rest for forceful stabbing. Note small chip at edge                                        Example of European hunting knife, Ca 1770 with twisted horn grip

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