1938 Vintage H D Falconer & Son Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh
1938 Vintage H D Falconer & Son Glasgow Silver Sgian Dubh - We recently discovered another vintage Scottish sgian dubh gem. Finely carved black wood studded hilt sgian dubh by H D Falconer & Son ( Henry Drummond Falconer ) - Glasgow. With a plain silver cap top and plain silver hallmarked mounts. The leather scabbard has a has developed a rich patina.
Size. 18cm overall length.
H D Falconer & Son silversmiths were known for making silver Quaichs, trophies and sgian dubhs in their workshop based in 1 Dunblane Street, Glasgow.
Henry Drummond Falconer was born on the 24th of March 1876 at Newington, Edinburgh. In 1882 he immigrated to the United States of America with his family. However, by the 31st of March 1901 he was listed in the census as a silversmith is boarding at 28 Wilton St, Kelvinside, Glasgow with Robert and Jemima Watson.
25 June 1902 Henry was married to Margaret Wright Duncan at St James Hall, Gardner St, Milton, Glasgow
By the 2nd April 1911 Henry and Margaret Wright were living at 77 Walter St, Dennistoun, Glasgow with their children: Henry 8, James 4, Andrew 2 and Alexander under 1 year old. Henry D was listed as employed as a master silver and goldsmith.
Henry started his own company which his son later joined and they became.
H D Falconer & Son Co Ltd
Silversmiths
1 Dunblane Street, Glasgow
Henry Drummond Falconer died 25th November 1950 at 192 Killin St, Shettleston, Glasgow, Scotland (Age 74 years old )
The last hallmark date we have for the company was 1949
To see more details on the sgian dubh please visit the Highland wear shop
The Graham clan website provided some great family details for the blog post as H D Falconer was in the family tree - For more details click the link to the Graham clan family tree website
Antique & Vintage Scottish Sgian Dubhs
We have a passion for fine antique and collectible sgian dubh’s and Highland dirks. We source antique Jacobite styles of the 18th century, high Victorian styles and regimental patterns of WW1 – WW2. Our sgian dubh and dirk range make wonderful addition to any Highland dress collection.
Our range of fine hallmarked sterling silver skean dubh’s made by the Highland regimental silversmith and Royal silversmiths Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh, Scotland. We can engrave many of these skean dubhs for presentation gifts.
Vintage antique Sgian Dubhs – Scottish sgian skean dubhs from Scotland – The Gaelic sgian dubh meaning “black knife”, where “black” may refer to the usual colour of the handle of the knife. It is also suggested that “black” means secret, or hidden, as in the word blackmail. This is based on the stories and theories surrounding the knife’s origin and the meaning of “Dubh” in Gaelic, in particular those associated with the Highland custom of depositing weapons at the entrance to a house prior to entering as a guest. Despite this practice, a small twin edged-dagger, (‘Mattucashlass’), concealed under the armpit, combined with a smaller knife, (‘Sgian dubh’).