Scottish Vintage Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh
Scottish Vintage Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh
A beautifully crafted Celtic pattern vintage sgian dubh by Robert G Lawrie Ltd, based in Glasgow. This exquisite piece features a black bog oak handle with an intricate interlaced design, topped with a silver pommel adorned with a foiled citrine. The scabbard mounts are elegantly detailed with a zoomorphic pattern in sterling silver, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of this traditional Scottish dagger.
With a clipped back plated blade in good vintage condition.
Hallmarked. RG Lawrie Glasgow 1948 - Date letter Z on all parts apart from the bottom hilt mount that has a part date hallmark for 1945 ‘W’. We assume this is a mount that they had hallmarked at the end of the war and it was not used until 1948 when the sgian dubh was made up. The mounts have always been together on this sgian dubh since it was purchased by the original owner when he purchased it from R G Lawrie in 1949.
R G Lawrie established his business in John Street in 1881, specializing in the production of bowling green bowls. Prior to this, in 1879, he was recorded as a skilled wood and ivory turner. By the 1890-1891 directory, Lawrie was noted as an 'Ivory Turner Employer'. During the 1890s, RG Lawrie crafted a remarkable set of bagpipes for the Prince of Wales, the son of Queen Victoria.
It was not until 1900 that he would appear as a bagpipe maker. In 1881 when the army introduced pipe bands, the company began to make kilts, sporrans, feather bonnets, and dirks. Arthur Lawrie recalled that during the First World War, RG Lawrie produced 150 kilts, 25 side drums, and 150 bugles a week. Over time, their reputation for crafting high-quality Scottish Highland dress items grew steadily.
R G Lawrie later expanded their operations to 38 Renfield Street, continuing as R G Lawrie, renowned manufacturers of bowls, bagpipes, and kilts. Their primary workshop was located on North Wallace Street in Glasgow. As their business grew, the shop was eventually relocated to 110 Buchanan Street.
