Edged Weaponry and Jewelry
With the "flavor" of the Highlands
In November 1715, the death knell of the Rising of '15 sounded over the field at Sheriffmuir. The battle itself had no clear winner, but the highland clans were essentially cut to pieces.
The story goes that on the evening before the battle, the Macrae men danced the sword dance on the roof of the armoury at Eilen Donan castle, such was their courage and confidence. On the morning after the battle there were 58 widows in Kintail, Scotland named Macrae. One of those men was one of my ancestors and was known as one of "the four Johns of Scotland." John Macrae of Conchra died with the original of this dirk in hand at Sheriffmuir. It has been in the MacRae clan for nearly 300 years.
Earlier this year my wife and I went to Scotland for 10 days and the high water mark of the trip, for me at least, was a visit to Eilen Donan. There I got to see the original Sheriffmuir Dirk; unfortunately no photography is permitted inside the castle. I did get a close look though and talked with the man in charge of the arms at the castle. Close enough to see details that he pointed out that do not show up in pictures. I made numerous sketches of the handle carving, the pommel cap, the engraved straps; as much as I could.
What you see here is as close a copy as I am capable of. Now for the particulars:
Blade: 13" of 5160 steel. Overall length is 17 1/2". False edge measures 5 7/8".
Handle: Rosewood with Sterling silver hearts inlaid front and back.
Furniture: Sterling Silver, including the straps on the haunches
Pommel is made in three pieces: the bezel, the scalloped top and the flat plate that fits inside the bezel.
Sheath is leather with nickel silver throat and tip.
(This knife has been spoken for by my youngest son. He wants it written into my will. However, one like it can be yours.)
Price: $1250.00
