Antique 1895 Thomas Johnston Edinburgh Silver Sgian Dubh

Antique 1895 Thomas Johnston Edinburgh Silver Sgian Dubh

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1895 Antique Thomas Johnston Edinburgh Silver Sgian Dubh

The blackwood hilt has a basket weave design and the sterling silver top mount set with a rock crystal. The lower mount and scabbard mounts have a mix of Celtic knot and zoomorphic designs engraved.

The blade has a classic clipped back form that we have seen on Thomas Johnston’s other work.

Silver hallmarked Edinburgh 1895 - date letter O

Size approx 19cm

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Vintage & antique sgian dubh

The Gaelic sgian dubh meaning “black knife”, where “black” may refer to the usual colour of the handle of the knife. It is so 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’).