Antique Victorian Sgian Dubh - Inverness-Style

Antique Victorian Sgian Dubh - Inverness-Style

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Antique Victorian Sgian Dubh - Inverness-Style

Circa 1880 Antique Victorian Sgian Dubh - Inverness P G Wilson Style

Late Victorian unmarked silver sgian dubh in the style of Wilson of Inverness who made many of the Highland dress accoutrements and sgian dubhs for Queen Victoria. Although sadly this piece is unmarked some Wilson pieces had no marks or were just on the blade. The mounts have the classic Wilson pierced and engraved celtic foliate design.

Classic pin top design. Blade with some tarnish and pitting as is common in antique sgian dubhs .

Length approx 192mm

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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’).