Lot 397
Royal Interest - a Scottish provincial sgian dubh
Auction: 19 August 2013 at 15:00 BST
Description
Fraser, Ferguson & MacBean, marked FF&M, camel, INVS, the carved black wood handle with basket weave design and studded detail with pin top pommel cap with engraved interlace, the steel blade with scalloped back edge and pierced twin fullers additionally marked 'FRASER, FERGUSON & MACBEAN / INVERNESS', the leather scabbard with Celtic engraved chape the top mount with cypher and initials
Dimensions
18cm long
Footnote
Provenance:
Asprey's London,
Property of a Lady.
Notes:
The Royal patronage from the time of Queen Victoria's revival of interests in the Scottish highlands is well recorded. Firms such as Fraser Ferguson & Macbean in Inverness and William Robb in Ballater were awarded Royal warrants for Highland wear and accessories they supplied the Royal house and its guests.
This sgian dubh must date to after King Edward VII's death in 1910 as this would signal Edward's change in position to Prince of Wales, under his father King George V. Edward would later become one of the nation's most admired Royals, but caused great controversy in 1937 abdicating the Crown in favour of his future wife Wallis Simpson.
For a similar sgian dubh owned by Duke of Windsor, see 'The Jewels of the late Duchess of Windsor' 2nd and 3rd April 1987', Christie's Geneva lot 62