Vintage Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh - Robert Allison & Son Glasgow 1948
Vintage Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh - Robert Allison & Son Glasgow 1948
Vintage Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh - Robert Allison & Son Glasgow 1948
Fine silver stone set sgian dubh by Robert Allison Glasgow. With a Celtic knot weave carved handle and angled top mount claw-set to the pommel with smoky quartz stone.
The blade is in used vintage condition with the steel blade with single fuller and scalloped back edge ( please see photographs).
Hallmark - Robert Allison & Son - Glasgow - 1948
Size approx - 190 mm
Robert Allison Scottish Silver
Robert Allison silversmith was originally from Glasgow. However, he learnt his trade in Birmingham, before returning to his native Scotland to make Scottish jewellery and other Celtic related items. Robert Allison first registered his hallmark in Glasgow in 1940’s and was much inspired by Alexander Ritchie's iconic Iona silver jewellery.
He was later joined in the business by his son James and the company grew to become known as Robert Allison and Sons - With an additional Edinburgh hallmark added in March 1954.
Robert Allison & James Allison, trading as Robert Allison & Son. Ceased trading 1982
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’).