Victorian Scottish Officers Dirk, By Pillin

A lovely and untouched Scottish Officers dirk by S.J. Pillin.

Septimus John Pillin was a sword cutler with premises at 31 Gerrard Street, Soho, London between 1881 and 1922. I suspect this particuarly dirk dates to the late 1890's. 

With the exception of the manufacturers marking at the ricasso, this dirk has a plain, 11.75 inch blade. It has a scallopped spine, with a long spine fuller, and a short, shallow mid blade fuller, making for a very attractive blade. It still holds a good edge, and culminates in a needle point. 

The dirk has a basket weave and studded decorated hardwood grip, with unpolished nickel silver mounts to the pommel and blade collar. It has a safety chain fixed to the pommel cap and attached to the rear scabbard suspension bar. 

The scabbard is of leather covered wood with matching tarnished white metal mounts with thistle and line decoration, although the bottom of these appears to be a loosely fitted replacement. The suspension bar at the rear retains its original leather suspension loop. The scabbard houses a small knife and fork. The knife also has a scalloped spine, and white metal mounts. The fixing for the safety chain, and the chain itself, are now absent. The fork is likewise mounted, but retains its fixing loop. 

Condition is generally good, some staining to all three blades, and signs of old pitting, especially to the knife and fork. Slight wobbles to the knife and fork mounts on the scabbard, although they aren't going anywhere. 

An attractive, original example of this iconic Scottish knife.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.