Victorian 1879 Pattern British Midshipman’s Dirk or Short Sword Retailed by J. Gieve & Sons Portsmouth

Here on offer is a genuine example of a Victorian 1879 pattern British Midshipman’s dirk or short sword.

The dirk fittings consist of a gilt brass hilt, a detailed lion’s head pommel and plain cross-guard with acorn quillions, that is set on the front with a crowned fouled anchor within an oval wreath.

The lion’s mouth ring retains a short section of a naval dirk portepee knot, that now shows some signs of fraying.

The grip is composed of white fish skin that still retains its original brass twist wire.

On the front of the 18” long straight single edged blade, it has the six-point interlocking triangles “proved” mark, a blank cartouche, an etched a crowned fouled anchor and ornate scrolling foliage along most of its length.

On the reverse it has Queen Victoria’s “VR” royal cypher, and more ornate scrolling foliage. It is also etched with the sword retailers’ details, being:

J. GIEVE & SONS
PORTSMOUTH

J. Gieve & Sons of Portsmouth was a renowned 19th and early 20th-century British naval outfitter, specializing in uniforms, swords, and equipment for Royal Navy officers. Situated in Portsmouth to serve the fleet, the firm became a cornerstone of naval tailoring before merging to become the world-famous Gieves & Hawkes of Savile Row, London.

The blade now has a lot of old dark staining to the finish, but you can still make out all the engraving. There are also a few nicks to the edge but it is still a straight and impressive blade.

The black leather covered scabbard is solid and retains all the stitching on the back, but has a number of dings and nicks to the finish.

The scrolled and ribbed gilt brass fittings have lost the gilt but retain a polished finish. The throat fitting retains both suspension rings and the steel spring catch that holds the blade securely within the scabbard. On the front it is engraved with what I believe are the owner’s initials being:

E.H.C.

The top of the throat is stamped with the number “1”.

Overall, this is a great example of a genuine Victorian period dirk which are now becoming very hard to find.

The etched steel blade measures 18” (45.6cm) long and the whole dirk (blade in scabbard) measures 24” (61cm).

It weighs 700g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52282