Civil War Cutlery Hilt Dagger with Etched Blade by Robert Lingard of Sheffield

This is a handsome mid-19th century knife that measures 10 3/4" overall, with a 5 3/4" straight, double-edged blade.  The blade is very similar in design to the much later Fairbairn – Sykes fighting knife, and has a bright original finish with clear and intact etched panel on the obverse that has scrollwork designs framing a suitably dramatic motto: "NEVER DRAW ME WITHOUT REASON / NOR SHEATH ME WITHOUT HONOUR" and the ricasso is maker marked, "ROBERT / LINGARD / SHEFFIELD."  The oval guard is plain while the ornate, cutlery style German silver hilt has a dull gray patina with thin surface oxidation throughout.  The knife is housed in the original russet leather sheath that has a German silver throat with frog stud, but is missing the tip chape.  The leather is crazed and flaked, especially at the tip.  Robert Lingard (ca. 1798 – 1868) was related to John Lingard and operated at 85 Pea Croft, Sheffield.  This is a very nice Civil War era knife, with a surprisingly modern design, and is in fine condition overall