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This Fine Relic Has Been Sold. Thank You!
IMPORTANT CROCODILE POMMEL AND GUARD DIRK CA 1805
GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC
Likely 1805
- 1825
Presented is a very rare, curved sea service naval dagger
called a "dirk" that was made in England to commemorate Nelson's Battle of the Nile in 1798 or two other battles
that took place shortly thereafter. The important crocodile symbol in the guard is emblematic of the trophies of war
that were awarded to Lord Horatio Nelson and his officers of the victorious British Fleet over the French in 1798. The
sword presented to Nelson had a crocodile handle, and is on display in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England.
The
remnants of gold gilding on the guard, under the head and on the ferule are "tells" that indicate this is a legitimate period
piece as is the finely reeded ivory grip. The dark patches on the ivory are old repairs. The two part chain, appears original.
The sharpened blade is rusted, with no remnants of bluing and gilding remaining. The edge shows some small nicks
of use. Its colors range from brown to dark grey. Everything is tight. All of this suggests that it was made shortly
after 1798 and saw sea service use. There are no maker's marks or scabbard, but we have a suitable later scabbard which will
be included.
This example differs from the first one we sold in early June,
2008, and is of higher quality. See http://landandseacollection.com/id455.html and also is different from EW 84 in Comfort's, "Naval Swords &
Dirks" because the two alligators have their legs on opposite parts of the crossguard, and EW 84 has a
checkered ivory grip. Otherwise the heads, and dimensions between these two are close. It seems logical to believe all three were
made by a different maker, and therefore, were not part of some series production.
Quoting from Comfort's page 161, "It would be normal
for a midshipman who took part in the action (speaking of the Nile battle) to buy or even have given to him a dirk of this
type to commemorate his having taken part in this most complete of victories. .........keep in mind Sir Sidney Smith's thwarting
of Napoleon at Acre in 1799 and the British invasion of Egypt in 1801. All these successes increased the popularity of the
crocodile as an icon of the East". Nile Presentation swords, of which there are only two authenticated, have sold
for near $500,000.00 each at auction.
A set will be included with the purchase of the Nile dirk at no cost.
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The
crocodile symbol emblematic of the Battle of the Nile and a few others | |
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SIGNIFICANCE OF CROCODILE:
After the battle, Nelson's captains
who fought at the
Battle of the Nile formed “The Egyptian Club” to meet and commemorate the
battle. They commissioned a limited number of swords and medals for issuance to the victors, all most all of which had
an emblematic crocodile as part of the design. Among their first actions were to present a crocodile handle sword to Nelson
and commission this portrait. In 2002, at a Sotheby's Nelson auction, another ceremonial sword with its hilt in
the shape of a crocodile was estimated at £40,000 to £60,000, and sold for £270,650 to a private collector. The
engraved sword was one of a handful made for the elite Egyptian Club.
DIMENSIONS:
Length overall 18"
Width of blade - max 1 1/4" Thickness
1/8" False edge 4 1/4"
Hilt 4 1/2" x 1 1/8" W x 3/4" T
Weight 10 oz
Without exception for its age an and years
of use this is a very rare relic with a possible conection to Lord Nelson's Battle of the Nile
OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not
completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original
packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping
charges are included in this offer if the error is due to our fault.
International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for
knowing your country's laws. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British
Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France,
Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico,
New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
ACCEPTED FORMS
OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be
held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.
This represents
an outstanding example of an antique sea service dirk that has the rare crocodile symbol which became prominent
in 1798
Copyright 2009 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights
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