Antique Gold Etched & Ivory French Dirk, circa 1870s. Featuring a very thick double-edged dagger blade, sharpened on both sides, median ridge down the center, with beautiful gold etching on both sides and very fine hand engraved motifs, including on the ricasso. Full steel guard, with large round quillon balls, with steel ferrule. Very attractive, smooth and tapered bone handle, with carved scalloped pommel. Attractive original red paper sheath, in excellent condition. This is an impressive dirk, very rare to have fully intact gold gilding on both sides. SPECS: 4.75” blade, 8.75” OAL.
Brief History:
In 19th century France, fancy dirk daggers were primarily carried by Naval Officers and potentially by some members of the wealthy class or those with a specific interest in hunting. French Napoleonic naval officers, in particular, were known to carry dirks, often distinguishable by their black ebony grips. Naval dirks served not only as a functional weapon in close-quarter combat, especially during ship-to-ship battles, but also as a symbol of status and rank.
Wealthy French businessmen and hunters often carried fancy dirks as well. Daggers, in general, were worn by various classes of society as part of everyday dress in medieval and Renaissance Europe, used as tools, eating utensils, and for self-defense. The level of ornamentation on a dagger would reflect the owner's taste and means, suggesting that some wealthy individuals would have opted for fancier versions, including dirk-like designs, for their practicality, decorative value, and the association with hunting or self-defense.
The term "dirk" specifically refers to a type of dagger, historically associated with Scottish Highland warriors and naval officers. However, the French adopted and adapted the weapon, creating their own distinct style closer to a traditional dagger in appearance but retaining the practical advantages of a short, nimble blade, particularly in confined spaces.
