Scottish Dirk Circa 1800

A large and exceptional Scottish brass mounted dirk dating to circa 1800 in excellent condition with original scabbard. The grip is formed from dark, age-coloured, bog oak. The middle section is boldly carved with bands of Celtic interlace interspaced with raised studs. The wood is fluted around the pommel beneath the cap. The area between the haunches is carved with panels of interlace. The haunches are mounted with side straps and the grip is mounted with a brass basal protective guard which is concave shaped on its lower side to fit the convex scabbard mount applied to the mouth of the scabbard.

The scabbard is of leather with a brass chape and sockets for a bi-knife and bi-fork. The fork is two pronged and the grip is of similar wood to the hilt and cut with interlace. It is mounted with a brass pommel cap on top and a brass ferrule at its base. The knife is now missing. The sockets are engraved on the outside with thistles and the mottoes "NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET" (upper) in Latin and "TRED YE TAK TENT O SKAITH" (lower) in Scots. The blade is broad and well fashioned with a scallop shape to the top on either side, bold fuller along the spine and circular piercings.

The overall length is 17 inches (43 cm). The blade is 12.5 inches (32 cm) long.

Source: www.albanarms.com