A Napoleonic Period British Naval Officer's Dirk inscribed "VICTORY," circa 1800

Measuring only 8" long, this nice early 19th century example retains its' original brass mounted black leather scabbard. More importantly, the top brass mount is engraved with a Royal Navy fouled anchor and the name "VICTORY" below. Whether this dirk was carried by a midshipman on board the Victory or not, the engraving is contemporary with the date of manufacture, circa 1800-1810. It was not added later. It could have been engraved after Trafalgar as a tribute to the Victory but one may never be able to actually make this determination. Nevertheless, the dirk itself has a wonderfully turned ivory handle with large spirally fluted pommel. The dirk shows no signs of having been altered or cleaned, retaining a beautiful mellow patina on all the metal parts. This could be quite an historic piece and perhaps further research could shed more light on its' history.