Scottish Dirk Late 18th Century

Pukka Bundook · 7th December 2018, 01:22 PM

Jose,

Have you looked at Government hilts?
In your last photos, I can see the side panels on the shoulders. These, with the three pins and the shape, are identical to the Government hilt of 1725-50.

Battara · 8th December 2018, 02:37 AM

Although I have studied what I can before getting a dirk, I am quite ignorant in many many areas.

Government hilts? Never heard of them. Please elaborate!

Pukka Bundook · 8th December 2018, 02:10 PM

Jose,

From quite an early date, the British Government raised regiments in Scotland. Particularly the Highlands. The Government issued these soldiers muskets swords and dirks. Even pistols in the style of the "Doune "All metal , but made in Birmingham or London.

Even the blade shape of yours, (more a straight taper) although a little shorter, is Very like the Government issue in style.

Very best,
Richard.

Battara · 8th December 2018, 07:00 PM

Thank you Richard. In fact thank all of you for your help.

I will take your suggestions seriously and they have been very helpful and greatly appreciated.

Battara · 8th December 2018, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

Jose,

From quite an early date, the British Government raised regiments in Scotland. Particularly the Highlands. The Government issued these soldiers muskets swords and dirks. Even pistols in the style of the "Doune "All metal , but made in Birmingham or London.

Even the blade shape of yours, (more a straight taper) although a little shorter, is Very like the Government issue in style.

Very best,
Richard.

So we are talking about the government raised regiments after 1745, right?

colin henshaw · 8th December 2018, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

So we are talking about the government raised regiments after 1745, right?

The Black Watch (the 42nd), a Highland regiment was raised around 1725. The Royal Scots, a Lowland regiment was raised in 1633.

Norman McCormick · 8th December 2018, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

So we are talking about the government raised regiments after 1745, right?

Hi.
The fact is that there were more Scots on the Govt side at Culloden than in the army of Charles Edward Stuart https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/battle-culloden and contrary to popular belief not all Scots from the Highlands and Islands joined the army of the 'Prince'. The McCormicks are affiliated with the McLaines of Lochbuie from the Isle of Mull and they were one of the Clans that did not join the fight. Hope this explains a bit more the why the Govt tag might be applicable to your dirk.
Regards,
Norman

Battara · 8th December 2018, 11:24 PM

Ah.........I understand better now, thank you.

On a different matter, 2 questions:

1. should I braze the crack to help stablize the blade?

2. should I attempt to restore the scabbard?

I will also attempt to contact that museum in Scotland.

Pukka Bundook · 9th December 2018, 02:42 AM

Norman,

Have you ever read any of the letters of the Chiefs of Grant? Particularly the personal correspondence?
It is a wonderful window into the time period of the '45 and both before and after.

I looked at it extensively when I procured a flintlock pistol belonging to one of the Chiefs of Grant. It gives us a very good idea of how many saw the rebels as just that, and continued about their daily business. Both Sir James Grant and his son, Ludovic Grant were MP's for their home ridings, and spent much time in London.
I will say no more as it may be deemed off topic, but if you wish to look at these letters, PM me and I'll link you with an on-line source.

Best regards,
Richard.

8th December 2018, 11:24 PM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,270	Ah.........I understand better now, thank you. On a different matter, 2 questions: 1. should I braze the crack to help stablize the blade? 2. should I attempt to restore the scabbard? I will also attempt to contact that museum in Scotland. Last edited by Battara; 9th December 2018 at 01:42 AM.

7th December 2018, 01:22 PM	#1
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Jose, Have you looked at Government hilts? In your last photos, I can see the side panels on the shoulders. These, with the three pins and the shape, are identical to the Government hilt of 1725-50.

8th December 2018, 02:37 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,270	Although I have studied what I can before getting a dirk, I am quite ignorant in many many areas. Government hilts? Never heard of them. Please elaborate!

8th December 2018, 02:10 PM	#3
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Jose, From quite an early date, the British Government raised regiments in Scotland. Particularly the Highlands. The Government issued these soldiers muskets swords and dirks. Even pistols in the style of the "Doune "All metal , but made in Birmingham or London. Even the blade shape of yours, (more a straight taper) although a little shorter, is Very like the Government issue in style. Very best, Richard.

8th December 2018, 07:00 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,270	Thank you Richard. In fact thank all of you for your help. I will take your suggestions seriously and they have been very helpful and greatly appreciated.

9th December 2018, 02:42 AM	#9
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Norman, Have you ever read any of the letters of the Chiefs of Grant? Particularly the personal correspondence? It is a wonderful window into the time period of the '45 and both before and after. I looked at it extensively when I procured a flintlock pistol belonging to one of the Chiefs of Grant. It gives us a very good idea of how many saw the rebels as just that, and continued about their daily business. Both Sir James Grant and his son, Ludovic Grant were MP's for their home ridings, and spent much time in London. I will say no more as it may be deemed off topic, but if you wish to look at these letters, PM me and I'll link you with an on-line source. Best regards, Richard.