Poniard of Justus Klinkhamer, presented to Jan van Speijk

anonymous, before 1832

This officer’s poniard – a short sabre – originally belonged to the naval lieutenant Justus Klinkhamer. His death during the first Dutch naval encounter with the Belgians in October 1830 made him famous. Klinkhamer’s family presented the weapon to Jan van Speijk, who died a hero’s death himself several months later.