A dirk for a member of the Egyptian Club, of senior Naval Officer's type, circa 1798

with curved blade double-edged towards the point, etched and gilt with flowers and foliage on a blued panel over half its length, gilt brass hilt comprising small outer-guard pierced and chiselled with a crocodile, knuckle chain, faceted back strap rising to form a lion's head pommel, ribbed ivory grip bound with plaited copper wire

Alexander Davison Esq.;
Thence by family descent until sold;
Sotheby’s London, Trafalgar: Nelson and the Napoleonic Wars, 5 October 2005, lot 65

The dirk in fair condition, with signs of wear and tear entirely consistent with age and use. There is a chip to the ivory handle and a sizeable split which appears to be stable. The blade with overall marks and scratches and some losses to the blued and gilt surface. The scabbard lacking its brass mounted tip, as visible from the photograph, and generally with areas of rubbing and losses to leather surface. Irrespective an impressive object.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Two days after the battle of the Nile, on the night of 3rd August 1798, the Captains of the fleet met on board the Orion, and inaugurated the ‘Egyptian Club’. A document was then drawn up, and signed by all present, inviting Sir Horatio Nelson to accept the gift of a sword and to have his portrait painted for the club.  Nelson’s gold sword was ordered through Rundell & Bridge. Little more is known of the ‘Egyptian Club’ who never seem to have met.   The promised portrait was never completed although there was a story that a Neapolitan artist was invited to breakfast with the Captains but felt unworthy of the commission. Nelson’s own sword was distinguished by an enamel plaque let into each side of the grip, one showing Lord Nelson’s arms and that on the reverse allegorical figures representing Brittania and Africa.   On the guard was an enamel plaque representing the Battle of the Nile and a list of the captains that served:  Captain Sir F.Berry, Vanguard; Captain T.Trowbridge, Cullodon; Captain R.W.Miller, Theseus; Captain A.J Ball, Alexander; Captain Thomas Lewis, Minotaur; Captain Sir T.B. Thompson; Leander; Captain B.Hallowel, Swiftsure; Captain Davidge Gould, Audacious; Captain John Peyton, Defence; Captain S. Hood, Zealous; Captain James Saumarez, Orion; Captain Thomas Foley, Goliath; Captain G. B. Westcott, Majestic; Captain H.D.E Darby, Bellerophon, Captain S. M. Hardy, Mutine.  Captain Westcott had been killed at the action.

The present dirk forms part of a very small group of dirks that were almost certainly made for members of the Egyptian Club.