Dirk (detail)

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The Highland dirk was an all-purpose implement which evolved from the medieval dagger. This detail shows the wooden handle of an 18th century dirk, said to be from Strathspey in the Highlands.

The handle is carved with hearts and a pattern of interlacing.

Dirks could be tools, utensils for eating, and weapons. They were made in the Highlands by local craftsmen, and carried by most men.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-321-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LC 86
• Date: 18th century
  
• Material: Wood grip; brass disc
  Dirk
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Dirk
  
• Subject: Daggers, dirks (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Strathspey
  
• Event:
• Description: Dirk, with a wooden grip decorated with interlace, hearts, a flat-topped pommel with a brass disc and a quatrefoil tang, said to be from Strathspey, 18th century
  
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