Antique 1896 Victorian Sgian Dubh - Alexander Murray & Co - Edinburgh Silver
Antique 1896 Victorian Sgian Dubh - Alexander Murray & Co - Edinburgh Silver
Antique 1896 Victorian Sgian Dubh - Alexander Murray & Co - Edinburgh - Perth Provincial Silversmith
Scottish Victorian hallmarked silver mounted sgian dubh, with rock crystal stone set pommel mounted on a blackwood basket weave handle.
Alexander Murray & Co, Edinburgh 1896 hallmark - Rubbed letter gothic ‘p’ in a circle
Some antique pitting to the blade.
Alexander Murray & Co was listed as a Perth provincial silversmith in the Directory of Scottish Provincial silver by Richard W. Turner and they also hallmarked in Edinburgh. Until further research is carried out they remain "Unidentified" by Edinburgh Incorporation of Goldsmiths.
Leather-clad and engraved silver mounted scabbard with original owners name inscribed 'Ian',
Length approx. 17cm
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’).