This beautiful Scottish Skein Dubh dates to the end of the 19th Century into the early part of the 20th Century.
The 84mm blade has a narrow fuller below a typically scalloped spine ending in a double-edged spear point. The blade is sharp and is in good condition with only minor tarnish and some very shallow pitting on one side. The pitting is so shallow as to be almost unnoticeable when running a finger over it.
The hardwood hilt is hand carved with a knot motif and the pommel is set with a large oval amethyst stone.
The Skein Dubh is complete with its leather scabbard with white metal mounts. The top mount is stamped “Made in Scotland,” which helps date it as post 1887, the year in which the Merchandise Marks Act came into effect. The white metal mounts are decorated with an intricate hand-punched Celtic knot design. The leather has wear and small losses on the back consistent with its age and being worn inside the top of a sock in the traditional Highland manner.
This is a beautiful little Highland Skein Dubh.
