Scottish Dirk Late 18th Century

E.B. Erickson · 6th December 2018, 01:02 PM

That's a nice dirk! I am in agreement with what Jim says above about it, with the addition that the blade could be from an English military sword, as the narrow & wide fuller combination was very common on English swords, and the Scots often used English blades in their baskets. The thing that would make me think that this may not be an English blade is the the wide fuller seems a bit wide, and the narrow one a bit narrow when compared to most English military blades.

--ElJay

Rick · 6th December 2018, 04:02 PM

Did you successfully straighten this blade Jose?

Norman McCormick · 6th December 2018, 06:51 PM

Hi,
The disposition of the fullers is quite typical of some 18thC blades. See attached photograph of a French Petits Montmorency sabre from which I think one could easily craft a blade similar to the Dirk shown here.
The Dirk is a nice thing and I think it might be worth your while dropping a line and some hi-res photographs to the Arms and Armour curator at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow for more info.
Regards,
Norman.

Battara · 7th December 2018, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
The disposition of the fullers is quite typical of some 18thC blades. See attached photograph of a French Petits Montmorency sabre from which I think one could easily craft a blade similar to the Dirk shown here.
The Dirk is a nice thing and I think it might be worth your while dropping a line and some hi-res photographs to the Arms and Armour curator at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow for more info.
Regards,
Norman.

Great idea, Norman, thank you. And thank you all for your thoughts, confirmations, and help. Great ideas.

In the meantime, here is the back of the scabbard that I forgot to post.

Pukka Bundook · 7th December 2018, 01:22 PM

Jose,

Have you looked at Government hilts?
In your last photos, I can see the side panels on the shoulders. These, with the three pins and the shape, are identical to the Government hilt of 1725-50.

Battara · 8th December 2018, 02:37 AM

Although I have studied what I can before getting a dirk, I am quite ignorant in many many areas.

Government hilts? Never heard of them. Please elaborate!

Pukka Bundook · 8th December 2018, 02:10 PM

Jose,

From quite an early date, the British Government raised regiments in Scotland. Particularly the Highlands. The Government issued these soldiers muskets swords and dirks. Even pistols in the style of the "Doune "All metal , but made in Birmingham or London.

Even the blade shape of yours, (more a straight taper) although a little shorter, is Very like the Government issue in style.

Very best,
Richard.

Battara · 7th December 2018, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Did you successfully straighten this blade Jose?

Sure did. The first picture is how it came, the second picture is after I carefully straightened the blade.

6th December 2018, 06:51 PM	#3
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,577	Hi, The disposition of the fullers is quite typical of some 18thC blades. See attached photograph of a French Petits Montmorency sabre from which I think one could easily craft a blade similar to the Dirk shown here. The Dirk is a nice thing and I think it might be worth your while dropping a line and some hi-res photographs to the Arms and Armour curator at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow for more info. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

6th December 2018, 01:02 PM	#1
E.B. Erickson Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 61	That's a nice dirk! I am in agreement with what Jim says above about it, with the addition that the blade could be from an English military sword, as the narrow & wide fuller combination was very common on English swords, and the Scots often used English blades in their baskets. The thing that would make me think that this may not be an English blade is the the wide fuller seems a bit wide, and the narrow one a bit narrow when compared to most English military blades. --ElJay

6th December 2018, 04:02 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,268	Did you successfully straighten this blade Jose?

7th December 2018, 01:22 PM	#5
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Jose, Have you looked at Government hilts? In your last photos, I can see the side panels on the shoulders. These, with the three pins and the shape, are identical to the Government hilt of 1725-50.

8th December 2018, 02:37 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Although I have studied what I can before getting a dirk, I am quite ignorant in many many areas. Government hilts? Never heard of them. Please elaborate!

8th December 2018, 02:10 PM	#7
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Jose, From quite an early date, the British Government raised regiments in Scotland. Particularly the Highlands. The Government issued these soldiers muskets swords and dirks. Even pistols in the style of the "Doune "All metal , but made in Birmingham or London. Even the blade shape of yours, (more a straight taper) although a little shorter, is Very like the Government issue in style. Very best, Richard.