[J Gibbs]

I have a Scottish order of the thistle dirk. It is made by r and h.b. Edinburh. It has the thistle all over the sheath with an order of the thistle badge with the Latin writing, me punity lacessit around another thistle above. I'll send pictures soon. Just seeing if anyone knows from the discription. It also has the knife and fork, a serrated blade and is very sharp. I heard maybe a musician's dirk. Thanks!

J gibbs

[Lin Robinson]

[Todd Salazar]

I also own a R. & H. B. Kirkwood scottish dirk as well (please see the attached images). The gentleman that it was custom made for Lord Arthur Hay, the 9th Marquess of Tweeddale who was a well known ornithologist in his day. Lord Arthur Hay died from pneumonia in 1878. From what I've found over the years is that the working period for Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood appears to be 1872 until 1915. However, the business appears to have been continued by the oddly named Elizabeth 'Henry' Kirkwood, who continued to submit work to the Edinburgh Assay Office until 1965. Also, Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood both served their apprenticeships under their father James Kirkwood, whose working period was 1834-1872. At the last registration of R. & H. B. Kirkwood, Henry Bruce Kirkwood was listed as sole partner (some of the above text was taken from http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=29237). I also found the following bit of information about R. & H. B. Kirkwood after an internet search:

International Exhibiton, Glasgow, 1888

An exhibition in Scotland without some distinctly national exhibits would be an anomaly, but this is averted by the display of Messrs. R. & H. B. Kirkwood, Thistle Street, Edinburgh; a case of Highland ornaments of similar character and design to that which attracted so much attention in the Edinburgh Exhibition. The officers' ornaments and badges of most of the Highland regiments are arranged in the lower portion of the case. We rather fancy from their gorgeous appearance that our officers must be worth the plundering if they go forth on a campaign thus equipped. The crest brooches of the Highland clans, facsimiles of some of the famous historic brooches shown in the Bishop's Castle collection, and a unique display of sporrans, dirks and belt furniture—most of it reproductions of fine old designs—go to make up an exhibit unsurpassed in its own line in the whole exhibition.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st October 1888

I hope the above helps.

Thanks,
Todd

[Todd Salazar]

There were several Scottish regiments in the 19th century through to the 20th century that used the "Nemo me punity lacessit" as their motto. It's much more likely that you dirk came from somebody that serverd in one of these Scottish regiments in the 19th century. It definitely isn't a Jacobite dirk (circa 1745).

Thanks,
Todd

[Todd Salazar]

I just found the interesting photo below of a glass display for R. & H. B. Kirkwood in their day!

[Todd Salazar]

I guess that the Victorians really liked to show off!

[Todd Salazar]

Some other R. & H. B. Kirkwood items that I own. These items are all silver and etched by hand. They are also all matching in design and are part of a complete set. To put it lightly, the Kirkwood family did quality work.