Very Rare British Combination Naval Dirk – Pistol by Palmer of Birmingham

NSN, .23 Caliber, 2 5/8" cannon type barrel with a very good, lightly pitted bore.  This is a very handsome combination dirk that measures 12 1/2" overall, with an 8 3/4" curved, single-edged, non-fullered blade having a 2 1/4" false edge at the tip.  The blade and fittings are in-the-white, with an overall pewter gray patina sprinkled with thin plum-brown freckling in spots.  The pistol barrel rests along the reverse side of the dirk and is marked, "W. PALMER" along the top of the breech.  The pan and frizzen spring are mounted directly to the forte of the blade on the obverse, with a partially obscured sunburst marking just ahead of the spring.  The swan-necked cock has fish engraved along the sides, while the counterguard has a single forward-swept quillon, and a clamshell guard with floral scroll and fouled anchor motif engraving.  The Hilt has a long, steel ferrule with geometric engraving, an intact fluted bone grip, and a flared and scalloped pommel cap with exposed capstan rivet.  William Palmer was a Birmingham maker who operated at 104 Lionel St., ca. 1817 – 1830.  Similar examples of combination dirk and sword – pistols can be seen on pages 163 and 164 of "The Price Guide To Antique Edged Weapons" by Leslie Southwick (1982).  The all-steel construction was a high priced option at the time, and the dirk was evidently purchased by someone of means, possibly for a very young midshipman.  This is a simply splendid piece of British naval memorabilia, purchased privately from a known Birmingham maker.  It is in excellent condition, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection.  Antique