Brass Hilt Dirk

Will M · 2nd November 2025, 03:00 PM

I see the fullers have rough grinding or sanding marks, possibly from later cleaning? Just not sure what I'm looking at, or just enlarged pictures making it more pronounced? Is the brass grip solid or hollow?

Jim McDougall · 2nd November 2025, 03:59 PM

Thank you coming in Will!
I would expect that the abrasions on the blade derive from its original reduction and reprofiling from hanger blade to achieve the 'wedge' shape popular on Scottish dirks. I am unsure on the hilt, but I would presume it to be solid as this is a fighting weapon, and the capstan was placed to secure the tang.
Just as most sword hilts, they seem solid, rather than overlain brass sheet.

mgolab · 10th November 2025, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will M

I see the fullers have rough grinding or sanding marks, possibly from later cleaning? Just not sure what I'm looking at, or just enlarged pictures making it more pronounced? Is the brass grip solid or hollow?

Hello: I am curious why you ask whether the hilt is solid or hollow? Can you please explain? Thanks

2nd November 2025, 03:00 PM	#1
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 416	I see the fullers have rough grinding or sanding marks, possibly from later cleaning? Just not sure what I'm looking at, or just enlarged pictures making it more pronounced? Is the brass grip solid or hollow?

2nd November 2025, 03:59 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,733	Thank you coming in Will! I would expect that the abrasions on the blade derive from its original reduction and reprofiling from hanger blade to achieve the 'wedge' shape popular on Scottish dirks. I am unsure on the hilt, but I would presume it to be solid as this is a fighting weapon, and the capstan was placed to secure the tang. Just as most sword hilts, they seem solid, rather than overlain brass sheet.