17th-century Scottish "dirk" Dagger

This dagger is a Scottish dirk. Its early style allows it to be dated from the 17th century. The Scottish dirk, the iconic weapon of the Highlanders, is directly derived from the dagger known as the “ballock dagger" ” or “kidney-shaped dagger,” which was very popular in the late Middle Ages. On these early models, one can still see the “kidney-shaped” form and the beginnings of wood carving featuring Gaelic knot motifs. These antique dirks generally have very rustic blades ;the quality of craftsmanship on the blade of this one adds additional interest.
BLADE: It has a single cutting edge and a thick back, and features a very sharp triangular shape. On the last 16centimeters near the tip, there is a counter-edge. Along the back of the blade, on each side, there is a decoration  of semicircles arranged in a frieze.
On one side, there is a mark featuring a globe with a cross, which is typical of Solingen-made blades. This makes perfect sense, since the vast majority of Scottish weapons were fitted with blades originating from Solingen.
Blade length = 31.2 cm, width near the hilt = 3.1 cm, thickness near the hilt = 5.2 mm
HILT: It is made of very dark wood, probably bog oak. It features two bulges at the base reminiscent of those found on kidney-shaped daggers. The chiseled decoration evokes the interlacing patterns of Gaelic knots. The handle ends in a widened, disc-shaped section, the upper surface of which is also chiseled, with a brass cross in the center to which the tang of the blade is riveted.
These antique dirks are rare on the market, often in poor condition or fitted with very crude blades. The exquisite quality of this one makes it particularly noteworthy.
Ref B4Y-25/2-18
Shipping: France €20. Europe €30.