A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - front 1
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - front 2
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - reverse 1
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - reverse 2
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - hilt
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - front 1
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - front 2
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - reverse 1
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - reverse 2
A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890 - hilt

Victorian Sgian Dubh

£385.00

A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890

A late Victorian Scottish white metal mounted sgian dubh, unmarked, c.1890

A sgian dubh displaying a straight, carved, basketweave handle (which is unusually carved on both sides), set with plain white metal mounts. The simple pommel is surmounted with a nut. The steel blade has a scalloped back edge and single fuller. The distinctive and unusual leather scabbard is stitched at the back and is decorated with tooled Celtic interlace.

Overall, this item has a handmade feel about it. Another sgian dubh with a similar scabbard and rustic nut-pommel is held in a private collection. That example belonged to John Michie (1853-1934), Head Forester, becoming Factor on the Balmoral Estate between 1880 and 1919, who is also believed to have been the maker.

Condition:

Due to the age of the item there are a few hairline cracks on the reverse of the handle, and the original steel blade shows some natural toning and discoloration.

Dimensions:

Blade length 8.7cm

Overall length 18cm

Maximum width 3cm