Scottish targe shield ...

[thinreadline]

I have seen similar supposed targes which were actually repurposed decorative side table tops

[urbanspaceman]

I was told by the vendor (selling his deceased father's collection: what a dispiriting task) that this was made in the 1960s as an exact reproduction by someone who specialised in the activity.
I was never given the name and wondered if anyone could verify this detail and perhaps elucidate further.
Included was this custom made dirk (with an 11inch blade) commissioned by a member of the McCulloch clan in the early 1900s but I don't think the targe is that old.

[Battara]

I agree - looks like a Victorian copy to me too. But a very nice one. i think they are becoming collectibles in their own right.

[francantolin]

Hello and thank you all for the messages,

I like your dirk urbanspaceman, can you show us the blade please !

I will post more close up pictures when I will receive it .
I'll with try to remove the iron back with handles , see if there is something interesting behind /old wood / old nails ...
perhaps/ sure nothing special but I like to dig ...

[urbanspaceman]

Here are the details I have unearthed to date:
This dirk was commissioned as a formal dress piece by a member of Clan McCulloch and fashioned in the style of the late 1600s/early 1700s. Its 11½" blade is stamped by Forsyth's. Around the top of the scabbard/sheath is inscribed "Vi et animo McCulloch" which is the clan's heraldic motto and translates as "By strength and Courage".
As had been customary for centuries, gentlemen's outfitters supplied swords and military accessories to their customers, often commissioning personalised pieces and custom designs from reputable craftsmen. R.W Forsyth was born in the Lothians, went to Glasgow as a nineteen-year old, and gained experience in clothing retailing with several city firms. In 1872 he set up in business as hosier, glover and shirt-maker in Renfield Street; then, on the opposite side of Argyle Street, Forsyth’s went to the expense of installing exterior electric lighting to illuminate their windows after dark – a first in Glasgow – and so make their second store a magnet for the public.

[urbanspaceman]

It's Keith (Fisher)

[Raf]

Originally Posted by francantolin

Hello and thank you all for the messages,



I will post more close up pictures when I will receive it .
I'll with try to remove the iron back with handles , see if there is something interesting behind /old wood / old nails ...
perhaps/ sure nothing special but I like to dig ...

I Think you may find that this is a Victorian electrotype replica. Widely used in the 1840s/50s to produce dimensionally accurate copies of museum originals. For those not familiar with the process a flexible mould was made and the interior of the mould dusted with powdered graphite Electrodes were connected to the graphite and copper was electrolytically deposited on the interior surface. The resulting cast was quite thin and usually reinforced with lead solder or pitch. The good news is that the original may still exist somewhere so might be traceable.

[francantolin]

Tadaaa,

this one is sold in an auction, exactly the same, idem in diameter,
sold as a small targe shield / hand use
( Too )expensive...

[francantolin]

Expensive fancy deco wall hanger shield
I think but it's ok for me