SILVER-MOUNTED AMERICAN EAGLE POMMEL DIRK WITH

This dirk is featured in figure 57 on page 37 of "Silver Mounted Swords, The Lattimer Family Collection" by Daniel D. Hartzler. The dirk is in the French style and has curved diamond-section blade with a 4-1/2" clipped point. The blade still retains the Lattimer collection number in white paint on the right side of the ricasso. S-shaped guard terminating in acorn-shaped faces at both ends. A silver chain extends from the guard to the eagle head pommel. Faceted octagonal bone grip with silver ferrule at bottom. The front of the guard is marked with American silver hallmarks, including a heart cartouche with an eagle surrounded by stars as well as a partially obscured cartouche, possibly "AW". The dirk is complete with its original brown leather scabbard with shaped silver mounts. The leather is decorated with crosshatched designs and remnants of a suspension chain are still intact. Probably circa 1790-1810. CONDITION: Blade has some light freckling and retains a grey patina. Guard slightly loose. Silver retains a dark unpolished patina. Bone grip is excellent and retains honey patina. Scabbard is is original and in excellent condition, silver retains a matching undisturbed patina, scabbard shows some shrinkage. Examples with scabbards are exceedingly scarce. A nice marked silver-hilted American dirk. PROVENANCE: Ex. Lattimer Collection. Blade Length: 7 - 1/2" Overall Length: 11 - 5/8" Paperwork: Previous description