Replacing Antique Sgian Dubh Blade

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The hallmarks I am getting from the sheath are an Anchor a Thistle, and an "I".

Interestingly, the parts on the sgian are not hallmarked. Was this common practice? Why not hallmark those pieces too?

Thanks.

There are several reasons why the sgian dubh may not be hallmarked:

1. Only the fittings on the sheath are sterling silver; the other fittings may be coin silver, which is more durable than sterling but isn't "pure" silver.
2. The fittings on both pieces are sterling, but the maker didn't want to pay extra for the extra hallmarks.
3. At some point the hallmarked sgian dubh was replaced by the one now associated with the sheath.

The blade on your sgian dubh is probably made from "tool steel", as are files. Many small Sheffield companies turned out blades of varying quality (and hardness) made from scrap steel purchased from manufacturers of other products-- anything from garden tools to railroad tracks could end up being used by some of these companies.

All in all it's a nice Edwardian piece.

So leave the blade alone, okay?

[Dram]

There are several reasons why the sgian dubh may not be hallmarked:

1. Only the fittings on the sheath are sterling silver; the other fittings may be coin silver, which is more durable than sterling but isn't "pure" silver.
2. The fittings on both pieces are sterling, but the maker didn't want to pay extra for the extra hallmarks.
3. At some point the hallmarked sgian dubh was replaced by the one now associated with the sheath.

The blade on your sgian dubh is probably made from "tool steel", as are files. Many small Sheffield companies turned out blades of varying quality (and hardness) made from scrap steel purchased from manufacturers of other products-- anything from garden tools to railroad tracks could end up being used by some of these companies.

All in all it's a nice Edwardian piece.

So leave the blade alone, okay?

The silver on the sgian itself is definitely the same engraver and style as is on the sheath (If you look at the engraving on top, next to the ball it is a perfect match to the sheath) so I believe it to be original, but perhaps it is coin silver. Same patina when looking at it in person.

LOL. I will most certainly leave the blade alone!!! No more messing with it!