Ref 21. 89th Regiment of Militia – Royal Aberdeen Highlanders

A very rare and unique Victorian era silver mounted dirk. The scabbard’s middle mount with gold Roman numeral “LXXXIX”, and the top mount gold motif of St. Andrew carrying a cross on his back, representing the 89th Regiment or Royal Aberdeen Highlanders. Plain blade retaining considerable original polish with minor staining and localized light pitting. Handles are carved with a basket weave pattern with silver studs. Pommel with characterisitc Gordon Highlanders style. Matching silver knife and three tine fork, set side by side, each with a faceted clear rose to amber coloured stones set in their hilts. The small knife (with missing attach) is marked on the blade “John Seller”. Dirk overall Length: 17.125″, Blade Length: 10.875″.

Research undertaken by the Gordon highlanders Musuem mentions that although the kilt was adopted by the 89th in 1874, the Gordon Tartan was adopted in 1858 but worn in the form of trews (trousers) with perhaps a mini-plaid-hence the brooch. Hence the dirk and the Plaid brooch (accompanying the dirk) could have pre-dated 1874. It is likely that on the balance of probability, the the dirk and the Plaid Brooch were acquired as a set by the original owner. Condition: Blade with some staining and localised light pitting, Scabbard Bottom mount with several small dents. Small knife lacks retaining catch. Small knife and fork with some light pitting.

Anecdote: W.S. Gilbert (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame) was a captain in the Royal Aberdeenshire Highlanders, between 1875 and 1878. The kilt became part of the uniform in 1875 and Gilbert resigned in 1878.

Period: 1871 – 1874
Category: Dirks