House of Labhran. Sterling silver sgian dubh & regimental dirks

We work with some of Scotland's finest craftsmen and silversmiths to bring you a range of fine hand crafted sterling silver sgian dubhs and Highland dirks.

We have a full range of regimental pattern sgian dubhs and civilian and regimental dirks and offer a free design service for a individually crafted bespoke civilian patterns.
Please e-mail us about our bespoke sgian dubh design service.

The name comes from 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').

The sgian dubh may have evolved from the sgian achlais, a dagger that could be concealed under the armpit. Used by the Scots of the 17th and 18th centuries, this knife was slightly larger than the
average modern sgian dubh and was carried in the upper sleeve or lining of the body of the jacket. Courtesy and etiquette would demand that when entering the home of a friend, any concealed
weapons would be revealed. It follows that the sgian achlais would be removed from its hiding-place and displayed in the stocking top and held in place by the stocking garter.

All our sgian dubhs and Highland dirks are made to order in Scotland
Approx. 6 weeks

1972 issue military Highland regiment MK II dirk
Queens crown mount on hilt
MOD arrow mark and date stamp plus stock number and makers
stamp.
£

Victorian boys dirk
Circa 1880 gem set with nickel mounts on hilt and knife and fork
handles(no blades)
£145

Gordon Highlanders officers sgian dubh in hallmarked sterling
silver.

Hand made by the regimental silversmith. Mounted with a smoky
quartz or amethyst.
Made to order
£320

Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders officers sgian dubh in hallmarked
sterling silver.

Hand made by the royal silversmith Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh
Made to order
£480

Black Watch Royal Highlanders officers sgian dubh in hallmarked
sterling silver and over plated with gold.

Hand made by the royal silversmith Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh
Made to order
£480

Highlanders pipers SD sgian dubh in hallmarked sterling silver.

Hand made by the regimental silversmith. Scotland
Made to order
£230

Gordon Highlanders officers sgian dubh in hallmarked sterling
silver.

Hand made by the royal silversmith Hamilton & Inches,
Edinburgh. Mounted with a real Cairngorn stone
Made to order
£480

Black Watch Royal Highlanders Volunteer officers sgian dubh in
hallmarked sterling silver.

Hand made by the royal silversmith Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh
Made to order
£480

Antique 19th Cameron Highlanders silver sgian dubh
SOLD

Antique 19th C silver sgian dubh
SOLD

Antique 1890 hallmarked silver sgian dubh
SOLD

Bespoke sterling silver highland dirk
Designed and made to order.
Options include hand carved blackwood handles. Edinburgh
hallmarked sterling silver mounts, engraved blades and stone
mounted hilts.

Contact us by e-mail about this service.
Made to order
£P.O.A

Bespoke sterling silver sgian dubh
Designed and made to order.
Options include hand carved blackwood handles. Edinburgh
hallmarked sterling silver mounts, engraved blades and stone
mounted hilts.

Contact us by e-mail about this service.
Made to order
£P.O.A

Antique 1900 RG Lawrie hallmarked silver sgian dubh
SOLD

Black watch Volunteers regimental 1980's hallmarked silver sgian
dubh
SOLD

Antique 1925 RG Lawrie hallmarked silver sgian dubh
SOLD

Scottish Sterling Silver Sgian Dubh & Dirks