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The sgian dubh displays a deeply carved ebony handle with twin bands of Celtic interlace with a lower third section showing panels of Celtic knotwork above an engraved silver mount. The silver pommel cap has a circular domed centre with engraved knotwork surrounding it. The steel blade has a scalloped back edge and single fuller.
The leather covered wooden scabbard shows finely pierced and engraved Celtic decoration with a rare band of pierced knotwork joining the upper and lower mounts. The upper mount has a circular cartouche engraved with an initial ‘O’ surmounted by a baron’s coronet. The reverse is hallmarked ‘H&I’, Edinburgh, sterling silver, 1946.
Hamilton and Inches was founded in 1866 by Robert Kirk Inches and his uncle James Hamilton. In 1893, the quality of their work was recognised by Queen Victoria and they were presented with a Royal Warrant.
This fine example of a sgian dubh would appear to be a specific commission. The baron’s coronet and initial O have not been possible to trace. A similar example, hallmarked 1939 with an ivory handle, is in the National Museums Scotland collection (H.1996.140) and is discussed in The Sgian Dubh, a collection by Malcolm Ferris-Lay page 22.
Condition:
Overall excellent condition. Due to the age of the item the original steel blade shows some natural toning and discoloration.
Dimensions:
Blade length 7.1cm
Overall length 19.5cm
Maximum width 3.2cm