Description
sold out!
In the age of wooden ships and thunderous cannon fire, the Naval Boarding Dirk served as more than a mere weapon,it was a mark of duty and discipline aboard ship. While the Naval Officer carried his dress sword for formal occasions, the Petty Officer relied on this dirk as a practical tool and weapon. This example, dating from the 1790s, has a grip carved from bone, wrapped tightly with twisted brass wire to ensure a secure hold even when wet or in the heat of battle. The pommel and guard, cast from solid brass, provide a firm balance and resist the relentless corrosion of salt air. Its blade, forged from high carbon steel, maintains a sharp edge suitable for close-quarters fighting and utility tasks, and it fits snugly into a matching brass scabbard designed to shield the blade during the rigors of shipboard life. Each component speaks to the hard-won knowledge of craftsmen who understood the demands placed on a sailor’s gear.
In the age of wooden ships and thunderous cannon fire, the Naval Boarding Dirk served as more than a mere weapon,it was a mark of duty and discipline aboard ship. While the Naval Officer carried his dress sword for formal occasions, the Petty Officer relied on this dirk as a practical tool and weapon. This example, dating from the 1790s, has a grip carved from bone, wrapped tightly with twisted brass wire to ensure a secure hold even when wet or in the heat of battle. The pommel and guard, cast from solid brass, provide a firm balance and resist the relentless corrosion of salt air. Its blade, forged from high carbon steel, maintains a sharp edge suitable for close-quarters fighting and utility tasks, and it fits snugly into a matching brass scabbard designed to shield the blade during the rigors of shipboard life. Each component speaks to the hard-won knowledge of craftsmen who understood the demands placed on a sailor’s gear.
- Overall Length: 12-3/4″
- Blade Length: 7-1/2″
- Weight: 11 oz
Fun Fact: Though designed for combat, Naval Boarding Dirks were often used for everyday chores aboard ship, from cutting ropes to preparing food, making them an indispensable tool for sailors.
