Dirk thought to be French in origin. The dirk consists of a brass cross-hilt, with diamond section quillons. The obverse of the cross is decorated with an embossed anchor, which is placed vertically on a hexagonal ground. The anchor is not 'fouled'. The dirk is fitted above the guard with an oval brass collar, in the French style, to engage the top of the scabbard. The brass pommel is flat at the base save for a prominent tang button. The polished white ivory grip tapers from the pommel. The steel blade is straight, double edged and has a flattened diamond section. The blade is engraved 'VAINCRE OU MO...LA NATION LA...' possibly 'VAINCRE OU MOURIR POUR LA NATION LA PATRIE'. The inscription is apparently in French. The style of the inscription suggests that it dates to the Revolution in France and therefore dates from 1793 or soon after. The scabbard is missing. The combination of the anchor motif, the collar and the inscription, seem to leave little doubt that this weapon is French.