Dirk presentation. Scotland. 1850/1870.

Scottish presentation dagger known as a "dirk." This example, in very good condition, is presented in its original Russian leather-lined gift box, engraved with the recipient's initials. The hilt is carved from ebony, following the typical design, and features silver and Cairgorm orange quartz. The wooden scabbard is wrapped in black sheepskin and has silver moldings chiseled with thistle motifs. Two small tools are included. The metal parts are hallmarked RWF.

Measurements: Blade length: 14.2 cm. Overall length: 30.5 cm.

The steel blade has no apparent markings.

These daggers were used by Highland regiments for both combat and ceremonial purposes. Their origins date back to the Middle Ages, when they were simple and robust daggers, a design linked to the ballock dagger, whose distinctive feature is the hilt with two protrusions. The Scots adopted and enriched this design with complex Celtic ornamental motifs, and lengthened and widened its blades, turning the dirk into a special weapon, an object of worship and identity for its users; oaths were even sworn on them.