Italian dagger 17th century??

Sajen · 3rd May 2020, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

I thought it was a naval dirk, but that small size would indicate a prostitute’s dagger.

Hello BUCC_Guy,

I am not an expert by naval dirks but can't them similar small? Look for example this beauty which get sold by ebay recently: https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-GAR...p2047675.l2557 It's with 8,25" (approx. 21 cm) a little bit smaller as the dagger in question.

Regards,
Detlef

mariusgmioc · 3rd May 2020, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello BUCC_Guy,

I am not an expert by naval dirks but can't them similar small? Look for example this beauty which get sold by ebay recently: https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-GAR...p2047675.l2557 It's with 8,25" (approx. 21 cm) a little bit smaller as the dagger in question.

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Detlef,

The EBay description says "Garter" dagger/dirk. Garter meaning Strumpfband in German, so again pointing towards "prostitute dagger"...

Dirk is nothing but a longer straight dagger.

Sajen · 3rd May 2020, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Hello Detlef,

The EBay description says "Garter" dagger/dirk. Garter meaning Strumpfband in German, so again pointing towards "prostitute dagger"...

Dirk is nothing but a longer straight dagger.

Hello Marius,

You never should give something to ebay descriptions or auction house descriptions (see for example the description from the auction house for the example in question)!

And of course I know what garter dagger mean!

Have a look to this older thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ght=naval+dirk

Have special a look to the posted picture from "Small Arms of the Sea Services" by Robert H. Rankin, see attachment. The dagger by the ebay auction was without doubt a naval dirk.

Best regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 3rd May 2020, 03:14 PM

Comparison!

mariusgmioc · 3rd May 2020, 08:40 PM

Very interesting!

I was not aware of this type of small naval dirk.

Thank you Detlef for the explanations.

Anyhow, the one in the original posting is significantly different, much more towards a "garter dagger" (sounds better than "prostitute dagger").

Sajen · 3rd May 2020, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Very interesting!

I was not aware of this type of small naval dirk.

Thank you Detlef for the explanations.

You are welcome Marius!

I have my "knowledge" also only from the given thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Anyhow, the one in the original posting is significantly different, much more towards a "garter dagger" (sounds better than "prostitute dagger").

And yes, I agree with you complete. And I like the term "garter dagger" as well a lot more!

Regards,
Detlef

David R · 3rd May 2020, 10:34 PM

In the UK they are sometimes called "Muff Daggers" as in hidden in a hand muff, the cold weather hand protector.

3rd May 2020, 03:14 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,420	Comparison! Attached Images

3rd May 2020, 08:40 PM	#5
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,912	Very interesting! I was not aware of this type of small naval dirk. Thank you Detlef for the explanations. Anyhow, the one in the original posting is significantly different, much more towards a "garter dagger" (sounds better than "prostitute dagger").

3rd May 2020, 10:34 PM	#7
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,138	In the UK they are sometimes called "Muff Daggers" as in hidden in a hand muff, the cold weather hand protector.