Seaforth Highlanders sgian dubh

[Watchdog]

The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's) was a line infantry regiment of the British Army.

Under the Childers Reforms of 1881 they were an amalgamation of the 72nd (Duke of Albany's Own Highlands) Regiment of Foot

and

The 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot (The Ross-shire Buffs)

The regiment fought with distinction in just about every campaign of the British Army.

In 1961 The Seaforths amalgamated with The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders {originally The 79th (Queens own Cameron Highlanders) Regiment of Foot} to form The Queens Own Highlanders (Seaforths and Camerons). So the Seaforths only lasted 80 years as such.

Below is a Sgian Dubh worn in Highland dress by officers and pipe majors of the regiment (in the top of the Highland hose or "socks"

The bog oak handle of this design is unique in that it is not studded as are those of other regiments and there is a carved star shape behind the St Andrew emblem.

This one has very slight pitting to the otherwise bright blade and the Cairngorm stone in the pommel has no scratches or crack.

One of the more rare Sgian Dubh these days and I was very pleased to find it.

Regards

Mark

[Kohima]

Nice Sgian Dubh, Mark!
Lots of quality workmanship in one small space.
Do you know the approximate era of the piece?
Is that amber or glass to the pommel? (my apologies if that is not the correct term).
All the best,
Rob

[Watchdog]

Nice Sgian Dubh, Mark!
Lots of quality workmanship in one small space.
Do you know the approximate era of the piece?
Is that amber or glass to the pommel? (my apologies if that is not the correct term).
All the best,
Rob

Hi Rob,

Based on the pattern, history of the regiment and maker mark I think that to say circa WWI is pretty accurate. The pattern would have been in use until the 1961 amalgamation but given the small number required (only officers and pipe major) and that many would be passed on to others when the owner retired there wouldn't be many produced post WWII.

Regards

Mark

As for the stone, it's not Amber that is fossilised tree sap often found with insects embedded in it. In most cases it would be a Citrine which is a yellow type of quartz however, the darker more orange coloured stones are known as Cairngorms which are the same thing but only found in the Cairngorm Mountains. Later pieces and certainly most modern civilian ones do have coloured glass..

Regards

Mark

[HARRY THE MOLE]

A very nice and desirable item. Congratulations on your find.

Cheers,
Steve