Antique 1919 Sgian Dubh - Young & Tatton, Edinburgh
Antique 1919 Sgian Dubh - Young & Tatton, Edinburgh
Antique 1919 Sgian Dubh - Young & Tatton, Edinburgh
A Scottish Silver Mounted sgian dubh. Made in 1919 by Young & Tatton of Edinburgh. The mounts feature a Celtic knot engraved design with the original owners initials in the centre. The hilt is mounted with a silver thistle band and carved blackwood in a matched Celtic knot design. The top of the hilt has a claw style mount with stone set hilt.
Blade has some minor blemishes, pitting and rubs as is common in antique sgian dubhs .
Length approx. 21 cm
Young & Tatton ( Henry Tatton and his brother-in-law Walter Young ) The partnership lasted from 1892 to 1905. However, The writing in the Day Books at the Assay Office they continued to write “Young & Tatton” until 25 August 1909. It also appears they would use the Y&T stamp until this later date as well. After 1909 the replacement mark ( H.T for Henry Tatton ) was introduced.
The pair supplied silver Highland dress accessories and sporran cantles to clients at the turn of the century including William Anderson & Sons, George Street Edinburgh - Highland Dress Retailers.
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’).