WWII Period Royal Navy Midshipmans Dirk/Short Sword and Scabbard. 21436. Daggers

A very good original example of a Midshipman's Dirk (The rank of midshipman originated during the Tudor and Stuart eras, and originally referred to a post for an experienced seaman promoted from the ordinary deck hands, who worked in between the main and mizzen masts and had more responsibility than an ordinary seaman, but was not a military officer or an officer in training. The first published use of the term midshipman was in 1662. The word derives from an area aboard a ship, amidships, but it refers either to the location where midshipmen worked on the ship, or the location where midshipmen were berthed). This excellent example is accompanied by its original leather and gilded scabbard. The hilt has an attractive Lionshead pommel with the backstrap formed as the lions mane, black sharkskin grip bound with brass twist wire which is all complete. A good amount of gilt remaining. The crossguard with acorn finials, and crowned fouled anchor. The 18” blade, beautifully engraved for three quarters of its length on both sides. Some minor old staining, the floral decoration, crowned VR cypher and fouled anchor is bright and clear. The black leather scabbard with gilded mounts, the uppermost complete with twin hanging rings. The leather body is solid *opening beneath top metalwork - not visible* , and the stitching is loose in parts. A very good, early untouched example, which are now proving hard to find. The price includes UK delivery. 21436