OK, I've seen the Irish Arm's Skean in Nathan Bell's collection:

http://www.myArmoury.com/nateb_dagg_ia_skean.html?3

I'm interested in it. The note says it's mid 16th century. How long this form was in use? Is it just 16th c. or was it around in this form much earlier or later? How far afield was it found?

thanks,
-Jack Horner

Well.... I know it was shown on men in the "Image of Irelande" http://www.lib.ed.ac.uk/about/bgallery/Galler...eland.html which was dated 1581.

http://www.lib.ed.ac.uk/about/bgallery/Galler...54_jpg.jpg

That could date it to a little later.
Jess

Daggers or short swords which were probaly skeans are described in use among Irish merceanries serving in continental armeis well into the 1630's at least.

Skenes are referred to in the 15th century here: http://www.deremilitari.org/resources/pdfs/ocleirigh.pdf

"In the words of one 15th century writer ' every kerne has a bow, a sheaf or three spears, a sword and a skene (or knife), without harness & every two have a lad to bear their gear." (page 4)