British Napoleonic Midshipman Naval Dirk

Traditionally aged 12 or 13 years of age, the young sons of England's gentry entered the Royal Navy as sailors with the rank of MIDSHIPMAN. This was basically a post of Ensign, which the lad had to endure for four or five years before being promoted to usually a Lieutenant. All the great Sailors of the era did this including HORATIO NELSON. The blade of this example measures roughly 11 3/4”, with an overall length of 17”. The plain blade is in excellent condition. The crossguard is in good shape. The grip of the dirk is ivory/bone which has aged tremendously, and the blade and grip are still tight to the hilt. Excellent.