The House of Labhran

View Original

1914-18 Gordon Highlanders Regimental Sgian Dubh

Circa 1914-18 Gordon Highlanders Regimental Sgian Dubh – Scottish Gordon Highlanders WW1 period regimental sgian dubh. With black wood studded handle and classic Gordon’s stone set mount on the hilt. Some pitting and sharpening – wear to the steel blade but in great vintage condition for an antique sgian dubh that survived WW1 and WW2.

The Gordon Highlanders was a line infantry regiment of the British Army that existed for 113 years, from 1881 until 1994. The regiment was formed on 1 July 1881 instigated under the Childers Reforms. The new two-battalion regiment was formed out of the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot—which became the 1st Battalion of the new regiment—and the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, which became the 2nd Battalion.WW1 -

The 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 8th Brigade in the 3rd Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front; they suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Le Cateau in August 1914. The 2nd Battalion landed at Zeebrugge as part of the 20th Brigade in the 7th Division in October 1914 for service on the Western Front and then moved to Italy in November 1917.

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.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’).