{"product_id":"elegant-french-or-spanish-naval-officers-dirk-dagger-18th-to-19th-century","title":"Elegant French or Spanish Naval Officer's Dirk Dagger 18th to 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis refined \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrench or Spanish naval officer's dirk dagger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, dating to the late 18th to early 19th century, features a finely executed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewire and braided grip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and an ornately constructed hilt. The pommel is formed as a ridged spherical ball, while the cross guard displays decorative metalwork on both sides, including a recessed area that may once have housed an emblem or insignia, now absent. Near the ricasso, one side of the blade exhibits delicate engraved decoration leading into the blade proper. The dagger measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14 inches overall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eblade length of 8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNaval dirks were traditionally carried by officers as symbols of rank, authority, and service, particularly within European maritime forces. The elegant proportions and decorative elements seen on this example reflect ceremonial influence alongside practical design. Comparable forms later influenced early cadet and ceremonial daggers, including those seen in early military academies, though this piece predates standardized modern patterns.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly naval dirks with ornate hilts and intact wire grips are increasingly difficult to source, particularly examples that bridge European naval tradition and early ceremonial dagger forms. This piece presents a compelling opportunity for collectors of maritime militaria or historic edged weapons.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eINTERNAL USE:\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43616203276362,"sku":"WGE0009","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/Elegant-French-or-Spanish-Naval-Officers-Dirk-Dagger-18th-to-19th-Century.jpg?v=1779455271","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/elegant-french-or-spanish-naval-officers-dirk-dagger-18th-to-19th-century","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}