This massive dagger is more like a short sword and features an 18 1/2 inch long by 2 7/8 inch wide blade with a shape similar to a Roman gladius. One side of the blade is etched with a cornucopia, "George Young His Dagger 1825/S.E." in a banner, flowers, and a thistle motif, and the other side features a larger thistle design. The iron crossguard is cruciform, and the tang extends through the 8 1/2 inch long stag-horn grip. The scabbard is brown leather with pressed floral designs and brass fittings. This impressive piece was features in the article "George Young His Dagger 1825" by Rick Mack in the Winter 2001 issue of the "Antique Bowie Journal." In the article, Mack notes "George Young must have been a man of huge stature and personage to carry such a knife...A knife so large that with one swift blow from Mr. Young, a limb or life would have been taken over 175 years ago." Mack also attributes "S.E." as the maker of the blade. The identity of the maker and owner are not documented. The thistle decoration certainly suggests a Scottish connection, and there were a plenty of Scots in Scotland and the U.S. named George Young living in 1825. Provenance: The Robert Abels Collection; The Rick Mack Collection; The Bryan Bossier Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very good. The fine blade has distinct etching, mostly bright surfaces, minor pitting towards the hilt, and some notches and chips at the edges suggesting it saw some use. The stag grip has a crack forming along one side but is otherwise strong and has attractive natural patterns. The scabbard has crackling and flaking on the leather and aged patina on the fittings. Overall, this is a very impressive and certainly deadly looking edged weapon.