jacobite shirt and a dirk

[sailortats]

I would appreciate some input on the following:
First, has anyone had any dealings with Museum Replicas of Conyers Georgia USA? I ask because they offer a replica of a 16th century dirk that I like very much.
Second, I like to wear a jacobite shirt to the games on occasion. My own private little re-enactment of the olden days, I guess. I would like to wear the dirk I mention with this casual outfit, but only at the games and only when wearing a jacobite shirt.
Third, if or when when wearing a dirk with this outfit would I also wear my sgian dubh or would that be overkill?
My thanks to anyone taking the time to respond.

[Woodsheal]

If you want a proper period shirt (which "jacobite" shirts are not!), these are quite affordable:
http://bellandcompanytraders.com/MensShirts.html

The various production dirks (including some early styles) are all available here, at good prices:
http://www.kultofathena.com/scottish.asp

Wearing of the sgian dubh in the hose top dates to the 1800s, no earlier....

[westy1970]

Of course, you can wear what you want, when you want. You will see many "Jacobite" shirts at festivals and many more dirks and sgian dubhs together. But is you are trying to be historically accurate I would go with the above post.

[Nighthawk]

If you want a proper period shirt (which "jacobite" shirts are not!), these are quite affordable:
http://bellandcompanytraders.com/MensShirts.html

The various production dirks (including some early styles) are all available here, at good prices:
http://www.kultofathena.com/scottish.asp

Wearing of the sgian dubh in the hose top dates to the 1800s, no earlier....

The prices on those shirts are excellent!! Thanks for that link!

[Ryan Ross]

Hmm...

My personal opinion- Stay away from both the puffy shirt AND the dirk.

And Museum Replicas has really gone downhill, in the last ten years or so.

[Dale Seago]

You're talking about Games and such events only, and it's not uncommon to see both historically-incorrect "Jacobite" shirts and dirks worn together in "casual mode" there -- so I'd say go for it if you want.

Can you please give a link to the specific dirk model you're talking about?

[Tartan Tess]

I love jacobite shirts with kilts!

[sailortats]

this is the link to the dirk I was speaking about.

http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-274-...tish-dirk.aspx

[Dale Seago]

this is the link to the dirk I was speaking about.

http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-274-...tish-dirk.aspx

I know you're not trying to be accurate in terms of either history or contemporary Scottish culture and this is just for fun.

Still, for the kind of casual wear you envision I'd still prefer something like this for the shirt:

http://jas-townsend.com/product_info...roducts_id=492

As far as that dirk goes. . .Period-wise, circa 1500 they wouldn't have looked like that: They'd still be ballock/dudgeon daggers with probably about a 10-12" blade. On this one, the blade doesn't look bad. . .but the length and the fullered style of it are off by about 200 years: It looks like a "Jacobite era" dirk blade made from a cut-down broadsword or backsword, and those swords began being used by the Scots at around the same time (mid-to-late 1500s) that the use of the belted plaid (forerunner of the kilt) became popular among the Gael. And the handle. . .Good lord, why do modern mass-production designers always seem to want to make handles for dirks (which were primarily stabbing/thrusting weapons) that are more suited in length to a two-handed cutting sword?!?

Still, given that you just want to have fun, as long as you know that none of this is historically correct and you're not even trying to be. . .I'd say get what you want and enjoy yourself.

[Woodsheal]

When you say "dirk" to the folks on this board, the majority envision the silvery be-jewelled monstrosities that pass as dirks nowadays. These glittery gewgaws are indeed relegated to modern evening dress.

Period dirks (pre-1750) are a whole different animal - functional and utilitarian in appearance, with simple or tastefully carved grips, leather sheaths (occasionally with subdued brass mounts), and no hideous jewels. Such weapons would not fit in with modern dressy wear, but go well indeed with any attempt (authentic or otherwise) at period/historic dress.

Personally, I have no trouble with folks donning historic dress in a Highland Games setting. Myself and the groups I've belonged to have often been invited to do just that! But, being a bit of an "authenticity nazi", I like to see it done right - or even fairly close. The guys mixing Dark Age weaponry with medieval armor with 1745 clothing are the ones that drive me nuts.

But, as for wearing an early historic-type dirk with your period (or sort of period) outfit at the Games, I say go for it. There will always be hand-wringers made nervous by any sort of weaponry, but bugger them.

I do hate the "jacobite" shirts, though...!