Knife IXL Dirk, George Wostenhom Cutlery Co. of Sheffield England with sheath

Description

Dirk, made by the George Wostenhom Cutlery Company of Sheffield, England.  This dirk, according to a family tradition belonged to Midshipman Clarkson during the Civil War.(
Clarkson, Samuel
Acting Midshipman, 20 September, 1862. Graduated June, 1866. Ensign, 12 March, 1868. Master, 26 March, 1869. Lieutenant, 21 March, 1870. Died 8 January, 1883.  as appearing in " Office of Naval Records and Library 1882-1946")
As the story was told to us, the Midshipman was assigned shipboard duty to inspect the salt pork and bully beef stored as victuals for the crew.  He had the knife's blade etched so that he could measure the thickness of the slabs of meat to verify its freshness.
The IXL dirk is in very nice condition without faults to its edges.  The sheath is not damaged.  It is of the spearhead dirk design and measures a blade length of 4.0 inches with a width of .50 inches and a handle length of 4.5 inches.  The blade is bright and the etching depth is very well marked.  The makers name on the ricasso is clear and unobstructed.
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Return policy....All antique and collectible items are sold "As Is";  and returns will not be accepted on those items sold as antique due to the fragile nature of these items.  If you, the buyer, have a concern about an antique item, contact us directly.  We have marketed historical antiques since 1972 and attempt to describe them correctly.  But, as collectors, each of us see things differently at times.   We will attempt to work out any differences of opinion with you direct.
Items sold in the package as new or modern items are subject to the following return policy.   These are acceptable for returns if the method stated below is followed.
Returns require notification to us by the buyer before shipping.  Buyer is responsible for shipping and returning the product to us in good order accompanied by the original packaging.   Seller will determine that the item is the original item shipped to the buyer and if antique, not injured or altered in any manner other than damage that occurred during shipping to the buyer.  We are not responsible for product misuse.  A 20% restocking fee is required for all returns except for those damaged in transit from the seller to the buyer.  In the case of returns damaged in shipment, the item must be returned in its original shipping container at the buyer's expense until the claim is settled by the freight agent.