Small Knife Called Sgian Dubh Scotland Early 20th Century

SMALL KNIFE called Sgian Dubh
Scotland
Early 20th century
Steel, silver, wood, leather and glass
Overall length: 19; Knife length: 17.5; Blade length: 10 cm


Single-edged straight steel blade fashioned on the counter-edge, blackened wood spindle carved in a checkered weave, pommel with oval orange glass cabochon with openwork silver cap, silver ferrule.

Wooden scabbard sheathed in black leather and fitted with a chappe and a hallmarked silver bouterolle, with the following inscription on the front: "2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders 51st Highland Div.

It refers to the 51st Highland Infantry Division of the British Army, which fought under French command against the advancing Germans during the First World War and the 1940 campaign.

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

Illustration image: Source unknown

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP5440