Scottish Highland Bandsman’s Dirk MKI/II

BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF A PATTERN DIRK for both Highland and Lowland regiments, bandsmen carried a sword of regimental pattern and did so until 1856, when a universal pattern (Sword, Drummers’ Mark I) was adopted.

This remained the position until 1871, when regiments were ordered to carry a specific Highland dirk of new design. The Cameronians, who were designated as a rifle regiment, did not carry this dirk and stayed with the 1856 Pattern.

The new dirk was introduced as the Dirk Mark I (1871 Pattern), that featured a 12 inch blade with scalloped edge, decorated with the regiment’s name amid a background of scrolling thistle foliage.  The regimental name was also repeated to the bottom of the ebony or black wood hilt ferrule.  The scabbard was of black leather with polished iron mounts of thistle design.  The pommel caps displayed the reigning monarch’s crown e.g. St Edward’s Crown, for Queen Victoria. 

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

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