Wall-hanger dirk and weapons diplay opinions sought!

[ShaunMaxwell]

Some months ago, I started a thread about decorative displays of weaponry (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...20/index2.html). I got some really helpful feedback, and am planning to do a bit of upgrading to fill in the blank spaces around the targe and swords.

MoR's (MacMillan of Rathdown) and Tobus' comments got me thinking about other elements to add to the mix.

I've purchased a clan badge of sorts, pictured below, which will hang above the targe/swords. (Available from http://www.scottishclancrests.co.nz/)




I found a decent looking reproduction Murdoch-style pistol (http://www.militaryheritage.com/pistol2.htm) that I'm planning to include, but I'm kind of stymied when it comes to finding a dirk that's at least somewhat historically accurate (18th century style... not interested in a Victorian-style dirk) that won't break the bank.

I only intend this to be displayed, but I'd like it to be something that could be sharpened and that isn't complete junk. I'm thinking I probably don't want to drop the money for something custom for my purposes.

That said, I'd welcome any suggestions... Below are some possibilities. Please weigh in and tell me which of these (or others you know about!) might be the better option. Let's hear it from those of you in the know!

I've considered the Hanwei early dirk (http://www.knifecenter.com/item/CISH...e-Ebony-Handle), or this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/From-The-17t...item27f6147fbe) which I found on ebay, which seem as if they might be at least somewhat historically correct.

I also found this at Kult of Athena, which seem as if it might be plausible:

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=2212

And this, which even to my untrained eye seems ahistorical:

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=400508

Here's kind of what I have in mind (forgive the crude mockup!):



I look forward to your input about the dirk and/or better ways to display the various elements!

Cheers,

SM

[Dughlas mor]

Well, of the dirks that you reference, the Hanwei has a nice blade, but very little effort was put into the handle, which is sort of generically historic, but way too long. The sheath provided is super poor quality.
The one you found on ebay is a decent copy of a late 17th century dirk but I have no idea of the quality. The sheath would go with a some what later period dirk. [should be all leather.]
The brass handled dirk looks pretty good, though I don`t think it is a copy of a specific original. I think the blade quality is acceptable.
The last one is actually based on an existing 17th century dirk which I believe features a cut down sword blade, thus the triple fullers.
It is hard to find a manufactured Jacobite era dirk with a decent handle. I think the ones you found are about as good as you will do. If someone would put one out there for, say 250.00 or so, I think they would have a real winner. If you could stretch your budget a bit, Mike MacRae of Scotia Metalworks can make you a darn fine one for 500.00 or a bit less. Hope that helps.

[Tarheel]

You might think about how a "fresh eye" (someone familiar the wearing of the equipment) might view the display. The dirk would be on the right of the hip and a pistol tied over the left shoulder or across the chest. Switch those two items on the wall and I would have the "business end" of each weapon pointing downward. That would be the way they would be worn. This is just my opinion and always open to debate. Otherwise I like the arrangement you've chosen.

[IsaacW]

I have some stuff Iwould part with for little, if you are on a small budget.

[Damion]

I think it looks fine as is. You could hang something underneath like a powder horn.

[MacGumerait]

Shaun ,

Great weaponary and display . Nice version of a clan crest plaque !!

I only have two thoughts regarding your pic .

First - you may want to consider aiming the pistol and the dirk downward as Tarheel suggested .

Second - if you have enough Maxwell tartan , you might also consider changing the display of the tartan . Perhaps draping the tartan " behind " the Maxwell Clan Crest and letting it flow " behind " some of the weapons .

You wouldn't have to use it for the entire backdrop , just visually let the Maxwell tartan start at the top and relate to the Clan Crest first , then secondly relate to the weapons below . ( behind them ) .

Just a thought . No matter what you chose , I definitely like your overall idea .

Cheers , Mike

[ShaunMaxwell]

So here's the mockup with the position of the dirk/pistol switched, and pointing downward... I think it's an improvement.

[sailortats]

Definitely an improvement with all the weapons pointing downward, to my eyes at least. However I do think that Mike's suggestion above about putting the tartan behind the crest and the weapons would make it look even better. To me draping the tartan around the targe as you have done detracts from the targe itself.

[Dughlas mor]

That looks good to me. I think the swords and targe might look better if the hilts were closer to the targe. Also, my preference would be to have the swords unsheathed. I think it looks better, and you don`t want to store them in the scabbards anyway because it promotes rust. As Damion said, a powder horn would be great if you could find one. Looking good!

[Tarheel]

Just for humor's sake. If we can dress ourselves (kilted) certainly we can dress a wall easier. Good job so far.