Antique 1928 Celtic Knot Silver Sgian Dubh - Engraved Clan Crest

Vintage 1928 Celtic Knot Silver Sgian Dubh - Engraved Clan Crest

Vintage 1928 Celtic Knot Silver Sgian Dubh - Engraved Clan Crest

Antique 1928 Celtic Knot Silver Sgian Dubh - Engraved Clan Crest

We recently discovered a celtic knot carved Blackwood hilt mounted with a cairngorm style stone in a claw set bezel. The sterling silver mounts are engraved with a Celtic knot pattern and engraved with a clan - family crest of a dexter arm in armour embowed brandishing a scimitar. The crest has been used by various clans ( including Elliot and MacKellar clan ) and various families ( including Oakeley, Stratford, Cree of Fife and Aldborough to name a few ). So it makes wonderful generic engraved crest.

Antique sgian dubh with restored scabbard with a new leather covering. Blade in antique condition with some wear - See photographs for condition.

Hallmark - Thomas Kerr Ebbutt - Edinburgh 1928

Size approx - 170mm

To see the current range of antique and vintage Scottish sgian dubhs please visit the shop page

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’).

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.

House of Labhran