AMERICAN NAVAL DIRK commonly referred to as "The Baltimore Style". Circa 1820. First one of this style dirk that I've had in a very long time and the only I've owned with the checkered and grooved ivory section in the handle. Silver handle with grooved, mushroom shaped, pommel. Elegantly designed cross guard with engraved leaf designs on each corner. 1/2" x 5" steel, diamond shaped, blade. All silver scabbard with an oval frog stud and engraved designs at the top. Overall length 8 7/8". Condition overall very fine. Blade with some pitting toward the tip but also retains some original bright polish on its upper area. Examples of this style dirk appear on page 220 in Peter Tuite's book "U. S. Naval Officers, Their Swords and Dirks". Also on page 61 in Rankin's "Small Arms of the Sea Services".