British C.1850 Naval Midshipman's Lionshead Hanger Dirk

A Rare British C.1850 Naval Midshipman’s Lionshead Hanger Dirk

This is a very unusual and seldom seen and rare British C.1850 Naval Midshipman’s lionshead hanger dirk that would have been carried by a Midshipman or junior officer. A number of these have been noted over the years and it looks like that they were issued or acquired for use on board a ship of war – they would have been pretty effective for close hand combat. It comprises a brass lionshead pommel, leather and wood grip bound with brass twistwire and a distinctly curved, plain blade – this example is particularly sharp. It comes complete with its original leather and brass mounted scabbard. Please see the images below of this weapon taken from the iconic work on British naval swords – Sword for Sea Service by Annis and May (1971).