Antique Gordon Highlanders Vintage Sgian Dubh
We have recently stumbled upon yet another remarkable vintage regimental gem. This time, it happens to be a circa WW1 Gordon Highlanders officers' - Pipe Major's - Drum Major's sgian dubh. The design remains a timeless classic, deeply entrenched in the regimental customs for more than a century.
Set with a cairngorm stone on a raised mount, this exquisite sgian dubh carries with it a rich tapestry of the regiment's illustrious history. If only this remarkable piece could share the tales it has witnessed over the years.
The Gordon Highlanders was a line infantry regiment of the British Army that existed for 113 years, from 1881 until 1994 when it was amalgamated with the Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) to form the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons).
The regiment was officially established on 1 July 1881 following the initiation of the Childers Reforms. This reorganisation led to the creation of a two-battalion regiment by merging the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot into the 1st Battalion and the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot into the 2nd Battalion.
We take great pride in our deep appreciation for exquisite antique and collectible sgian dubhs. Our collection encompasses sought-after high Victorian designs, and historic regimental patterns from the eras of both World War I and World War II.
The Gaelic term sgian dubh translates to "black knife," with the color black often found in the handle of the knife. Some interpretations suggest that "black" alludes to secrecy or concealment similar to the term "blackmail."
These interpretations stem from the folklore and hypotheses surrounding the origin of the knife and the significance of "Dubh" in Gaelic, especially related to the ancient Highland tradition of leaving weapons outside a home before entering as a guest. This tradition included a compact twin-edged dagger called 'Mattucashlass' tucked under the arm along with a smaller knife known as 'Sgian dubh.'