Hi,

I'm writing a novel based in the Scottish lowlands in 1600 and I have a character who is a paramilitary, highly trained, irregular warrior (special forces) similar to the Black Riders in Europe.

I want him to be equipped with the best and latest weaponery of the time. Years ago, when first researching this, I spoke (I think) to a chap at the Royal Armoury in Edinburgh Castle and he said that he would have a small but powerful "assasin's" crossbow, snaphaunce pistols and a dudgeon dagger with a small by-knife in the sheath.

Does this make sense to you?

What is the difference between a dudgeon dagger and a dirk?

Had dirks come in by 1600 in Scotland?

Any other advice you can give me would be very welcome.

Dudgeon dagger's about right.

A dudgeon is simply the predecessor to the dirk, sort of halfway between dirk and bollock dagger.

http://myArmoury.com/feature_spot_dirks.html

should give a few indications of the sort of thing.

That said, most of the dudgeons that survive are fairly rich, high-status weapons that were worn by higher-class figures. the ones I've had my hands on are all gilded, damascened blades with etching and similar workmanship. So make of that what you will.

Pistols, 1600 is a bit early. you get some spectacular ones by the 1620's, particularly from Dundee, but earlier than that isnt so clear-cut. The Hammermen of Canongate were making some guns, but its not certain of the lock mechanism at that time.
Those 1620's ones are exceptionally high-class pieces, probably nobility, too.

Its more likely to be a pair of older wheel-lock pistols imported from Augsburg, than domestic gunsmithing unless the person were seriously rich.

The Assasin's crossbow I'm more than a little bit iffy about. And by iffy, I mean dodgy as hell. But then I'm even more wary of the idea of special forces in 1600....

I have two words that would pretty much fit the bill: Border Reivers. Irregular forces that did some crazy stuff. Plus usw all of the weapons mentioned. Skilled horseman, cattle rustlers, sneaky.

I agree with JG on the word Special Forces at this date though.

Here's your bow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW4lYh8Yg38

HI James,

Spanning belts would have been out for regular soldiery and especially so for fancy soldiers like you are alluding to. For hitting power combined with compactness, your guy would have had a cranequin bow I think. More popular on the continent, but still over here. For being 'handy' but less powerful the bow type Sean referred you to would be the choice. As regards the classic 'assassins bow', I believe this was basically a rich mans toy and not for doing ill with at all.

Have a look here for a spanning belt (doubler) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ovVTHpgLg

here for a cranequin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjYQEyC4m10

here for an assassins bow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se_N8CrooPY

Tod

What an excellent and informative answer Lin. Thank you. :-)