An absolutely amazing, rare (I've never seen another like it or even pictures of one) combat-sharp and generally formidable, antique dagger, most likely a naval dirk, or otherwise military, parade or dress dagger or dirk from a bygone age. That it's European or American militaria is given away by the beautiful martial engraving on the blade. Someone who knows more about military dirks and antique fighting daggers than I do could very likely identify the origin and age (beyond 19th century or before) from the style and engravings.
I say "formidable" because this is not the sort of dull, blunted ornamental dress dirk designed or maintained for officers to wear in pictures or at formal events and not much else. Beyond being honed to a really fine cutting edge, this near short sword sized fighting knife is big - nearly a foot and a half long, almost 11" of that being blade. The hilt is solid brass crowned with a cudgel pommel. The hilt and cross-guard and blade are otherwise solid as well, entirely tight without a hint of wiggle.
One of my favorite features of this fighting dirk however, is the fact that it's CLEARLY been used. If not actually in battle (which is entirely possible), certainly in close-quarters combat practice. In the pictures of the top of the cross-guard, you can see where other blades have been repeatedly stopped and deflected. I love that. Beautiful historical daggers/dirks/fighting knives that have actually been used by someone in history are just about my favorite thing in the world!
Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions, and definitely get in touch if you have any information on this dirk's age or origin!! I'd love to find out.
No reserve and good bidding!!