1931 Sterling Silver Vintage Edinburgh Sgian Dubh

Thomas Kerr Ebbutt 1931 Edinburgh hallmarked sterling silver sgian dubh. Basket weave carved blackwood hilt mounted with a cairngorm stone.

Blade with some age pitting as they all tend to when they have been used ( see photos ). In good used vintage condition

Length. 183mm

We have a passion for fine antique and collectible sgian dubh’s and Highland dirks. We source antique Jacobite styles of the 18th century, high Victorian styles and regimental patterns of WW1 – WW2. Our sgian dubh and dirk range make wonderful addition to any Highland dress collection. In addition to the antique range we also make wonderful new silver sgian dubh for clients, these will become desirable antiques of the future.

The Gaelic sgian dubh meaning “black knife”, where “black” may refer to the usual colour of the handle of the knife. It is also 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’).