THE JONATHAN MURRAY COLLECTION / DIRKS
The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
REF. 009 · OFFICER’S DIRK
Officer’s Dirk
Officer’s dirk to The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Blade with faceted back edge, clip back point and double fuller. Carved wood basket weave hilt set with studs (some missing). One side of blade inscribed The Black Watch Royal Highlanders, St. Andrew and regimental crest, the whole decorated with foliage. The other side with foliage, sun rays VR (Victoria Regina) and Egypt Sphinx with maker’s name W.S. Carver Jermyn St London S.W. Brass (?) plated mounts decorated with thistles.
The pommel is set with a cut-glass stone. Leather-covered scabbard with thistle-decorated mounts, the top locket bearing St Andrew’s cross and thistle. Matching knife and fork.
Condition: Good. Some studs are missing from the front and back of the hilt.
Period1881–1920
CategoryDirks
ConditionGood
Reference9
REGIMENTAL HERITAGE
Brief History
The Black Watch traces its origins to Highland militia companies raised after the Jacobite rising of 1715. These companies became known as the “Black Watch”, a name associated with their dark government tartan. In 1739 they were brought together as a line infantry regiment and later became the 42nd Foot.
The regiment served in North America, the Napoleonic Wars, Crimea and India. In 1881, under the Childers Reforms, the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot was amalgamated with the 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment and became The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). It later served in Egypt and the Boer War.
Regimental names
1748–1880 — 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot
1881–1931 — The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
1931–2006 — The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
2006–present — The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS)