Scottish Dirk Late 18th Century

Norman McCormick · 6th December 2018, 06:51 PM

Hi,
The disposition of the fullers is quite typical of some 18thC blades. See attached photograph of a French Petits Montmorency sabre from which I think one could easily craft a blade similar to the Dirk shown here.
The Dirk is a nice thing and I think it might be worth your while dropping a line and some hi-res photographs to the Arms and Armour curator at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow for more info.
Regards,
Norman.

Battara · 7th December 2018, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
The disposition of the fullers is quite typical of some 18thC blades. See attached photograph of a French Petits Montmorency sabre from which I think one could easily craft a blade similar to the Dirk shown here.
The Dirk is a nice thing and I think it might be worth your while dropping a line and some hi-res photographs to the Arms and Armour curator at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow for more info.
Regards,
Norman.

Great idea, Norman, thank you. And thank you all for your thoughts, confirmations, and help. Great ideas.

In the meantime, here is the back of the scabbard that I forgot to post.

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

6th December 2018, 06:51 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	Hi, The disposition of the fullers is quite typical of some 18thC blades. See attached photograph of a French Petits Montmorency sabre from which I think one could easily craft a blade similar to the Dirk shown here. The Dirk is a nice thing and I think it might be worth your while dropping a line and some hi-res photographs to the Arms and Armour curator at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow for more info. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

7th December 2018, 01:22 PM	#3
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	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	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	#5
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	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	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.