Knife Called Sgian Dubh - Scotland - Early 20th Century

KNIFE called Sgian Dubh
Scotland
Early 20th century
Steel, silver, wood, leather
Total length: 14.1 ; Blade length: 7 cm
(Old damage)

Straight, single-edged silver blade with groove engraved with floral motifs.
Silver ferrule, chased en suite.
Blackened wood spindle carved in a grid pattern.
Silver cap pommel chased with floral motifs, riveted button.
Black leather scabbard decorated with a piece marked with the profile of King George V with the inscriptions ‘GEORGE V KING EMPEROR’; nielloed silver yoke chased with floral motifs.
Steel batard, silver bolster, blackened wood spindle carved in checkered weave; pommel with circular purple glass cabochon, silver cap chased with geometric motifs.

In Scottish Gaelic, the term “sgian dubh” means “little knife”. It is one of the attributes of the officers of the Gordon Highlanders.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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