19th century dagger measuring 17 1/2 inches in overall length, this is an armor piercing dagger equipped with a pair of on-board flintlock pistols. The blade measures 10 1/4 inches long and 1 4/5 inches wide at the base, with converging triple fullers and a cross section starting in a lozenge profile and transitioning to a diamond at the tip. Silver finished hilt, measuring 8 inches long and 2 3/4 inches wide, with dual grasping bars, a concave profile to the outer bars for increased rigidity, and a finely executed floral etching pattern. A box lock, cannon barrel pistol is mounted with screws and hooks to each of the outer bars, equipped with screw-on cannon barrels, and decorated with floral vine engraving and deeply cut stars. The side hook panels double as protective shields for the hand, measuring 2 3/5 inches wide and 3 1/4 inches long with checkerboard pattern engraving, and the triggers are positioned to be used by the index and little fingers. Provenance: The William Ashby Collection

Very fine, with a bright gray patina on the blade and barrels, and approximately 75% of the silver. Minor pitting is present, concentrated on the blade, along with some mild brown spotting and scattered handling marks. Both actions are mechanically very good. Though the precise history of this item is unknown, it is a highly attractive and intriguing combination weapon, with a level of fit and finish indicating a user of high importance with need of a functional yet elegant weapon.