British, Circa 1889, Late Victorian, Naval Officers Dirk & Scabbard, by E. Thurkle & Sons, London.

*British, Circa 1889, Late Victorian, Naval Officers Dirk & Scabbard, by E. Thurkle & Sons, London.*

Approx: 45.5cm blade, 59cm overall.

Beautifully engraved blade with crowned VR on one side and crowned fouled naval anchor on the other. Makers name engraved on the ricasso “E. Thurkle & Sons, Denmark Street, Soho, London” and engraving on the spine. Acorn crossguard with central oval wreathed in laurels with a crowned furled anchor in the centre. Lion headed pommel with shagreen grip and copper binding. Black leather scabbard with brass tip and chape.

The Thurkle family, renowned sword makers specializing in British officers’ swords, began their business in 1749 and continued until 1897 when they were acquired by Gaunt & Sons. Unfortunately, most of their records were lost in a fire in 1912. In the Victorian era, numerous retailers offered swords, but few crafted their own sword blades. Thurkle, like Wilkinson, Mole, Reeves, Pillin, and a select few, was one such blade maker. E. Thurkle & Sons, responsible for this dirk, operated from 1889 to 1897. Edward Thurkle added his sons to the company title in 1889 until his death in 1897 when the company was based at 5 Denmark Street, Soho, London. Afterward, the name Edward Thurkle was posthumously used on swords retailed by Gaunt & Sons, still featuring the Thurkle proof slug.

*Condition*
This midshipman’s dirk is a rare find and is in excellent condition. There is minor discoloration to the blade and shagreen grip commensurate with age and service, but the engraving is crisp and clear and the blade is clean. The scabbard fits well. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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