VICTORIAN PERIOD HALLMARKED SILVER SCOTTISH SGIAN DUBH
HISTORY
The Gaelic Sgian Dubh meaning “black knife”, where “black” may refer to the usual colour of the handle of the knife. It is so suggested that “black” means secret, or hidden, as in the word blackmail. This is based on the stories and theories surrounding the knife’s origin and the meaning of “Dubh” in Gaelic, in particular those associated with the Highland custom of depositing weapons at the entrance to a house prior to entering as a guest. Despite this practice, a small twin edged-dagger, (‘Mattucashlass’), concealed under the armpit, combined with a smaller knife, (‘Sgian Dubh’).
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This Sgian Dubh has hallmarked Silver fittings with detailed engraving and from what I can make out from the hallmarks online it was made in Edinburgh Scotland during the Victorian period or possibly earlier. It has a jewel in the top, Black leather to the scabbard with rope twists carved into the handle. The blade has spotted marks commensurate with its age and use. Measures 145mm long in the scabbard with a blade length of 68mm. This was not a poor mans Sgian Dubh.