Great Scott Antiques

Tel: 07824445058
Email: chris@greatscottantiques.com
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1891 Pattern Royal Navy Midshipman's Dirk

£495.00 Approx $624.21, €577.6

Code: 11246



A good example of a George V period 1891 pattern Midshipman's Dirk.

The hilt with attractive lionshead pommel, shagreed grip bound with brass wire, all complete, and with no movement. The crossguard with acorn finials, and crowned fouled anchor. 

The eighteen inch blade bears the retailers marking for "Gieves" at the ricasso. Engraved for three quarters of its length on both sides. Some old staining and surface rust, with wear at the ricasso, with the rest of the decoration clear. An untouched piece which would respond well to a light clean and polish.

Leather scabbard retaining the sprung safety catch on the top mount, which is also complete with twin hanging rings. It has been engraved with the initials of the original owner, "D.E.G." The leather body is solid, and the stitiching intact, but would benefit from a clean and polish. The mounts of gilded bronze, the bottom mount correct, but possibly a period replacement. 

Beleived to have originally belonged to Lieutenant Douglas Ewan Gillespie.

He was born in Southampton in 1911, his father was a local Doctor, living at, ‘Glandore’, Winchester Road, Bassett, Southampton.

Sadly his life and Naval career were very short.

You will see from the attached newspaper cutting that he died on 24 January 1934 from a self-administered gunshot to the head while his ship, HMS Verity, was deployed on anti-piracy duty in Bias Bay, 60 miles off Hong Kong.

His body was returned to Hong Kong for a post mortem and the subsequent Naval Inquiry. He is buried there.

A good untouched dirk, which will be supplied with some digital documents, and which has further research possibilities.

Original and untouched dirks are now proving hard to find.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.