Original British Late 18th Century Scottish Dirk with Intricate Silver-Mounted Wooden Grip & Scabbard with Matching Fork & Knife by Young
In stock
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an extraordinary Scottish Dirk dating to the late 18th Century or Early 19th Century, roughly 1780-1810, which is still contained within its original fragile silver-mounted scabbard, which still retains the original fork & knife within. The grips are all silver-mounted intricately carved wood, with the fork and knife matching this. The silver fittings are all beautifully hand-engraved, with the pommels all showing lovely patterns, with the dirk’s pommel being engraved with the initials G.S.. The matching scabbard is in heavy disrepair as there is a partial break between the throat and the first slot for the knife/fork. Handling and removing the scabbard should be done with extreme caution and care to avoid breaking this any further. The blade ricasso bears the maker mark YOUNG for an unknown maker.
The 11 3/4” blade of the dirk is correctly scalloped at the spine, with some evidence of past oxidation having been cleaned away. The dirk has an overall length of 15 1/2”. The grip of the dirk is silver-mounted carved wood with intricate checkered carving patterns. The crossguard is engraved with a lovely pattern with a similar pattern engraved into the side of the pommel, with a set of initials, G.S., on the pommel.
The accompanying fork is in great shape, with the two prongs still straight and sharp. The silver tacks are arranged in the same checkered pattern on the face of the grip, which is in great shape The fork measures 6” overall. The knife is in similar shape with an overall length of 6 1/2”. The fork and knife are both engraved on the side of the pommel with the same pattern as on the dirk, along with the same circular pattern on the border of the base. This confirms that the set originally came together, and did not have parts replaced over time.
The original 12¼” silver-mounted scabbard is in fair condition, with the two channels for storage of the fork and knife still intact, although the scabbard is breaking heavily at the mouth of the first utensil closest to the throat, with the remaining leather very weak. The throat and drag are retained but heavily tarnished. The scabbard still retains the two hanging ovular rings for attachment to a belt. Due to its age, the scabbard doesn’t fit entirely over the blade, primarily due to shrinkage. It is a miracle that the set has remained together like this for so long. As mentioned, please take extreme care in handling or removing the scabbard. The set should probably be displayed with the dirk out of the scabbard to prevent further leather damage.
This is a tremendous set, one of the most gorgeous Scottish Dirk sets we have ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 11 3/4"
Blade Style: Scottish Dirk with Scalloped Edge
Overall length: 15 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 12¼”
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